Effect of Water Sorption and Solubility on Color Stability of Bulk-Fill Resin Composite

The objective of this study is to compare the bulk-fill resin composite to a conventional one, as regards; water sorption, solubility, and their effect on color stability.

This study was conducted using two types of composites: Bulk-fill composite (Filtek Bulk-Fill) and nanohybrid composite for control (Filtek Z250 XT). Specimens were prepared using a ring mold, 10 from each material. Specimens were desiccated, then weighed in a digital balance until a stable mass was acquired. For water sorption test, specimens were immersed in distilled water and placed in a lightproof incubator at 37 ± 1°C and the mass was measured weekly for 8 weeks. For solubility test, specimens were desiccated again in the desiccator until a stable mass was achieved. A spectropho-tometer was used to record the baseline color measurements prior to water immersion and weekly for 8 weeks.

Bulk-fill composite showed higher water sorption value and lower water solubility values compared with that of the conventional one. No statistically significant difference was found for water sorption (p = 0.104) or water solubility (p = 0.098) between groups. The mean ΔE was lower in bulk-fill than conventional composite, and results showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009).

Bulk-fill resin composite yielded better color stability and similar water sorption and solubility values.

Bulk-fill resin composite can be used in esthetically concerned patients.