Effect of common children's beverages on surface properties of single-shade and restorative material: an in vitro...

Single-shade composite restorations can adapt to the tooth structure, improve esthetics, and reduce reliance on shade selection. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of four different children's beverages on the color changes, gloss, and surface microhardness of single-shade resin composites compared to universal composite. Forty-eight specimens were prepared from each Shade A2 universal (Filtek Z250) and single-shade resin composite material (Vittra APS Unique). Then, the specimens were divided into four subgroups: Distilled Water (control group), Pepsi Cola Drink, Orange Juice, and Chocolate Milk, all at 24 °C. These specimens were immersed in their respective beverages for 30 min daily. Color changes, gloss, and microhardness values were evaluated at baseline before immersion and at the 1st, 7th, and 30th days of immersion. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using two-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). The results showed color change was significantly greater in Vittra APS than in Filtek Z250 across all time intervals, especially in Pepsi Cola after 30th days. For gloss, Vittra APS and Filtek Z250 at all time periods for four storage media showed statistically significant differences. Microhardness of Vittra APS was significantly affected by all time periods and all media except water. Filtek Z250 showed significant differences across all storage media at baseline and after 1st day. Overall, the single-shade composite showed more color change, gloss loss, and hardness reduction-especially in storage media like Pepsi Cola and Orange Juice-compared to the universal composite.