Effect of children’s beverages on color stability of esthetic restorative materials- an in-vitro study

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of exposure to various children’s beverages on the colour stability of different aesthetic restorative material commonly used in pediatric dentistry. Materials and Methods: 30 cylindrical disks of resin modified glass ionomer cement and composite resin were prepared respectively using moulds. 15 samples each group were immersed in one of the two solutions respectively for 7 hours at 370C temperature and then in artificial saliva for 17 hours at 37°C to simulate to oral environment. Specimens were subjected to spectrophotometric analysis before and after exposure to drinks using CIE-lab system then data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed both the staining solutions have statistically significant effect on colour stability of Composite resin and RMGIC. On comparing the material composite resin is more resistant to discolouration than RMGIC while orange juice is more aggressive colour stimulant on composite while cola has more ability to discolour RMGIC. Conclusion: The ability of staining solutions to discolour the restorative materials can affect the clinical choice of the restorative material to be used for the patient and could be related to dietary habits.