DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE BEVERAGES ON THE COLOUR STABILITY OF COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Esthetic failure is the commonest reason for replacement of restorations. Consumption of certain beverages may affect the esthetic and physical properties of the resin composite, thereby undermining the quality of restorations. Aim: To determine and evaluate the colour stability of composite restorations when immersed in socially acceptable and commonly consumed alcoholic beverages for 14 days. Materials and method: 50 composite disks were prepared with the help of a mould made of rubber base impression material and later finished and polished. The samples were divided into 5 groups (n=10) and immersed in distilled water (as control), red wine, beer, brandy and whisky for fifteen minutes every day for fourteen days. The colour change of the samples was measured using a spectrophotometer on the first (24hrs) and fourteenth day. Results: Comparing all the beverages, red wine showed the maximum colour change with a ΔE* value of 12.08. The least colour change among the beverages was seen in whisky that had a ΔE* value = 5.45. Even the control group in distilled water showed a ΔE* value of 0.89. Conclusion: At the end of this study, it was evident that alcoholic beverages do produce discolouration. The rate of this discolouration depends upon the characteristics of the beverage and the composite material as well as the time period of immersion. Hence it is imperative to educate the patients regarding the effects of alcoholic beverages on their restorations too. 

Keywords:  Composite, esthetics, alcoholic beverages, discolouration