Spectrophotometric Analysis of Different Flowable Restorative Materials

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Aesthetic restorations are susceptible to discoloration from various dietary and hygiene products.
• Flowable composites are widely used for their ease of application and versatility.
• Understanding the color stability of different flowable composite types is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the color change of three distinct types of flowable composites after exposure to common staining solutions.
• To identify which flowable composite material offers the best resistance to discoloration.

Main Methods:

• Three types of flowable composites were tested: conventional, self-adhesive, and nanohybrid ormocer.
• Specimens were subjected to artificial saliva and then various staining solutions (coffee, sports drink, energy drink, mouthwash).
• Color change (ΔE*) was measured using spectrophotometry before and after staining exposure.

Main Results:

• Conventional flowable resin composite demonstrated the highest color stability across all tested staining solutions.
• Coffee was identified as the most potent staining agent among the beverages.
• Mouthwashes had a more pronounced discoloration effect on nanohybrid flowable ormocer compared to self-adhesive flowable composite.

Conclusions:

• Conventional flowable composite exhibited the best color stability, followed by nanohybrid ormocer, with self-adhering flowable composite showing the least stability.
• Coffee caused the most significant discoloration, followed by sports and energy drinks; mouthwashes had minimal impact.
• Material selection is critical for ensuring the longevity of esthetic outcomes in dental restorations.