Composites Associated with Pulp-Protection Material: Color-Stability Analysis after Accelerated Artificial Aging

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the color stability of two composites associated with two pulp protectors submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). METHODS: 60 test specimens were made with 0.5 mm of protection material (calcium hydroxide - CH or glass ionomer cement - GIC) and 2.5 mm of restoration material (Concept or QuixFil) and divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to the type of protection material/composite, and the control group (no protection). After polishing, color readings were obtained with a spectrophotometer (PCB 6807 Byk Gardner) before and after AAA for 384 hours, and L*, a*, and b* coordinates and total color variation (ΔE) were analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, α=05). RESULTS: Composites placed on CH presented lower L* levels than those on GIC, which presented higher L* values than the control group and lower b* values than those of the CH group. The Concept composite presented higher ΔE levels for all groups, differing statistically from QuixFil, except when placed on GIC. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the protection material could affect the color stability and AAA is a factor that enhances this effect, depending on the type of composite used.