Comparative analysis of color stability in preheated vs. non-preheated injectable composites under different curing protocols: an in-vitro study

TL;DR

This study found that preheating and curing methods significantly affect how much injectable dental composites stain when exposed to coffee.

Contribution

The study introduces a comparison of color stability in injectable composites under different preheating and curing conditions after coffee exposure.

Findings

Preheated specimens showed greater color change than non-preheated ones for both composite materials.

G-aenial Universal Injectable had significantly more discoloration than Filtek Supreme Flowable.

Polywave curing led to higher color changes compared to monowave curing.

Abstract

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of composite preheating and light-curing mode on the colour stability of a nanohybrid and a nanofilled resin-based composite after exposure to a controlled coffee-staining protocol. The data presented represents a single observation and is not a part of another research project.

Eighty-disc shaped specimens (10 mm × 2 mm) fabricated from G-aenial Universal Injectable and Filtek Supreme Flowable were assessed under different preheating and curing protocols, subdivided into 8 subgroups. All specimens exhibited colour changes exceeding the clinically perceptible threshold (ΔE > 2.7) after staining. Mean colour change values ranged from 12.0 to 26.5. G-aenial Universal Injectable showed significantly greater discolouration than Filtek Supreme Flowable (p < 0.001). Polywave curing resulted in higher mean ΔE values compared with monowave curing (p < 0.001). Preheated specimens demonstrated greater colour change than non-preheated specimens for both materials. The highest discolouration occurred in the G-aenial preheated polywave subgroup (ΔE = 26.5), while the lowest occurred in the Filtek preheated monowave subgroup (ΔE = 12.0). Composite formulation, preheating, and curing mode were found to significantly influence colour stability following simulated coffee exposure.

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