In Vitro Evaluation of the Color Variation of Two Bulk Fill Resin Composites Immersed in Four Different Pigmented Beverages: A Comparative Study.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative in vitro evaluation of the color stability of two contemporary bulk fill resin composites, Filtek One Bulk Fill (FO-BF), and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TNC-BF), following immersion in four common pigmenting beverages at distinct time intervals.

Materials and methods: Eighty composite discs (n = 40 per resin type) were fabricated and subdivided into four groups for immersion in Coca-Cola®, coffee, red wine, or green tea. Color measurements were performed using a digital spectrophotometer at baseline and after 3, 12, and 24 h of immersion. Color variation (ΔE) was calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. The data were analyzed using Welch's analysis of variance, Student's t-test, and Friedman's test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: Red wine induced the most substantial and rapid color change in both FO-BF and TNC-BF resins at all evaluation times (P < 0.05). Coffee also produced significant discoloration in TNC-BF after only 3 h (P < 0.05). The color variation produced by red wine surpassed the clinically acceptable threshold (ΔE > 3.3) in both composites within 3 h. Coffee produced clinically unacceptable staining in TNC-BF at 3 h and in FO-BF at 12 h. By 24 h, all tested beverages caused clinically unacceptable discoloration in both materials (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The color stability of bulk fill composites is significantly influenced by the type of beverage and exposure duration. Red wine is a potent staining agent, causing rapid and clinically unacceptable discoloration in both tested materials. These findings underscore the importance of material selection and patient counseling on dietary habits to ensure the long-term aesthetic success of composite restorations.