Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Detection and Removal of Tooth-Colored Composite Resin Using the Fluorescence-Aided Identification Technique
Published on: July 27, 2022
Color stability of resin-based composites: Staining procedures with liquids-A narrative review
Gaetano Paolone1, Sara Formiga1, Francesca De Palma1
1Dental School, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to review the experimental staining procedures performed in in-vitro studies for evaluating color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations.
Overview:
A review was performed with the purpose to identify in vitro procedures carried out to establish staining and color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations. A literature search was performed on four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) for articles published from January 1st 2001 till March 20th 2021, using a combination of free words and Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms: "Composite Resins" AND "Color Stability" OR "Staining." Two reviewers screened titles and/or abstracts of 1728 unique studies. In total, 208 studies were selected for full-text reading, from which 178 were included in the review. The assessed variables were specimen dimensions, shape, and surface finishing; time before immersion; staining media type, dwell time, temperature and renewal interval; type of composite; color and translucency assessment parameters and measuring system. One hundred and seventy-eight articles analyzed color stability with staining liquids. Coffee was the most used staining medium (n = 102), followed by tea (n = 61), and red wine (n = 55). A disc-shaped specimen was used in most studies (n = 170) with a 2 mm thickness (n = 116). Spectrophotometers were the most used color assessment devices (n = 154), followed by colorimeters (n = 17). Color differences were quantified with ΔE (n = 154), ΔE00 (n = 23). Acceptability and or perceptibility thresholds were also taken into consideration (n = 126).
Conclusions:
The large variety of staining procedure suggests the need for standardization.
Clinical Significance:
Aesthetic failure due to discoloration is a relevant clinical problem. Evaluating benefits and drawbacks of resin based composites artificial staining procedures will improve to predict materials clinical performances.
Related Concept Videos
Fixation and Sectioning
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
Simple Staining Technique
Special Staining Techniques

