Influence of pigment solutions on color stability and surface properties in low-shrinkage and conventional composites

Color stability is among the most frequent causes of restoration failures, and influences surface properties. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pigment solutions on low-shrinkage and conventional composites regarding changes in the physical properties of composite surfaces. Materials and Method: Specimens of four composites (Filtek Z350 XT, Point 4, N’Durance and Venus Diamond) were randomly distributed into three groups to be submitted to each of three pigment solutions (red wine, tomato sauce and coffee) in fifteen-minute daily cycles, for twenty-eight days. There were 12 groups altogether (n = 10). Color, surface roughness and hardness tests were performed. Statistical analysis includedAnalysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s significance test (a = 0.05). Results: Color changes caused by the solutions did not differ significantly among Filtek Z350 XT, Venus Diamond and N’Durance. Hardness decreased significantly in Filtek Z350 XT and Venus Diamond after chemical challenge with each solution. For the composite independent factor, roughness was highest in Venus Diamond, followed by Filtek Z350 XT, Point 4 and N’Durance. Conclusions: Treatment with different pigment solutions (red wine, tomato sauce or coffee) increased stainability and decreased hardness of both low-shrinkage and conventional composites, while roughness was unaffected.