Color stability of bulk-fill compared to conventional resin-based composites: A scoping review

To conduct a scoping review on color stability of bulk-fill compared to conventional resin-based composites exposed to colored beverages.

In vitro studies, investigating bulk-fill resin-based composites color stability submitted to artificial staining by colored beverages were included. Studies investigating color change induced by smoke and whitening treatments as well as papers not written in English language were excluded. A systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was performed on four databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) for articles published until October 01st 2022. The study selection was then performed by two authors who screened the abstracts independently and followed the JBI approach.

Of 717 screened abstracts, 59 were selected for full-text analysis. Finally, 19 studies were included in this review. They investigated 19 different bulk-fill composites and different artificial-staining-by-liquids-protocols including coffee, red wine, tea, coke, and others. Seven papers reported higher color change in the investigated bulk fill materials than in conventional resin-based composites, while nine studies reported the opposite. SonicFill showed the highest color stability for most of the papers.

The available evidence suggests that bulk-fill materials show variability in color stability. This behavior can be attributed to the heterogeneity of composition and staining procedures in the selected studies.

Clinicians should keep in mind that bulk-fill materials may change color when exposed to colorant drinks or food.