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Updated: May 10, 2026
Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Color stability of different composite resin materials
Frank Falkensammer1, Gerwin Vincent Arnetzl, Angelika Wildburger
1Department of Orthodontics, Bernhard Gottlieb University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. frank.falkensammer@meduniwien.ac.at
Composite resin materials can discolor when stored in various solutions, with red wine and black tea causing the most significant color changes. The polymerizing mode of the composite resin influences its color stability over time.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Colorimetry
Background:
- Predicting the color stability of composite resins is crucial for clinical longevity.
- Understanding factors influencing composite resin discoloration is essential for material selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how different storage solutions affect the color stability of various composite resin materials.
- To quantify color changes in dental composites exposed to common beverages and mouth rinses.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of five types of composite resin specimens.
- Storage of specimens in red wine, black tea, chlorhexidine, sodium fluoride, tea tree oil, or distilled water for 4 weeks at 37°C.
- Color measurement using a colorimeter and statistical analysis (ANOVA).
Main Results:
- Red wine and black tea caused the most significant discoloration (ΔE >10 and ΔE >2.6, respectively).
- Colored mouth rinses resulted in clinically acceptable color changes.
- Dual-polymerizing resin adhesives exhibited greater discoloration compared to other materials.
Conclusions:
- Composite resins are susceptible to discoloration from various storage solutions.
- The polymerizing mode of composite resins appears to be a key factor in their color stability.
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