Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
In vitro staining of resin composites by liquids ingested by children
Joseph A Curtin1, Huan Lu, J Todd Milledge
1Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California, USA. JCurtin@LLU.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of various children's drinks on the discoloration of dental resin composites.
Methods:
Ninety-six disks (3-mm thick, 10 mm in diameter) were prepared from 3 types of composite: (1) submicron; (2) nono; and (3) microhybrid. After polishing and obtaining baseline data, they were equally divided into 4 groups and immersed into 1 of 4 liquids at 37 degrees C: (1) distilled water; (2) Kool-Aid Jammers (grape flavor); (3) Coca-Cola; or (4) snow cone syrup (banana flavor). On days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, the samples were measured again for color. On day 18, they were measured for both color and gloss.
Results:
Overall, the color change during the staining procedure was minimal (deltaE(ab) < 1.67) for all 3 composites, although it appeared that Tetric EvoCeram had the least discoloration. Using 3-way analysis of variance and linear regression analysis, only Estelite sigma in Coco-Cola showed a statistically significant linear relationship between discoloration and stain time.
Conclusions:
Three composites reacted differently in various staining solutions. During this study, the 4 solutions did not discolor any of the composites in a way that was clinically significant Tetric EvoCeram may be the most stain resistant material among the 3 tested.
