Color stability of silorane-based composites submitted to accelerated artificial ageing-An in situ study

Objectives: To assess the in situ color stability, surface and the tooth/restoration interface degradation of a silorane-based composite (P90, 3M ESPE) after accelerated artificial ageing (AAA), in comparison with other dimethacrylate monomer-based composites (Z250/Z350, 3M ESPE and Esthet-X, Dentsply). Methods: Class V cavities (25 mm(2) x 2 mmdeep) were prepared in 48 bovine incisors, which were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 12 specimens each, according to the type of restorative material used. After polishing, 10 specimens were submitted to initial color readings (Easyshade, Vita) and 2 to analysis by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Afterwards, the teeth were submitted to AAA for 384 h, which corresponds to 1 year of clinical use, after which new color readings and microscopic images were obtained. The values obtained for the color analysis were submitted to statistical analysis (1-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < 0.05). Results: With regard to color stability, it was verified that all the composites showed color alteration above the clinically acceptable levels (Delta E >= 3.3), and that the silorane-based composite showed higher Delta E (18.6), with a statistically significant difference in comparison with the other composites (p < 0.05). The SEM images showed small alterations for the dimethacrylate-based composites after AAA and extensive degradation for the silorane-based composite with a rupture at the interface between the matrix/particle. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the silorane-based composite underwent greater alteration with regard to color stability and greater surface and tooth/restoration interface degradation after AAA. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.