Colorimetric Evaluation of Four Restorative Materials Containing Anti-Caries Agents

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of the addition of two anti-caries agents on the color parameters of resin composites, resin cements and two dental adhesives.
Methods: Two compounds isolated from Brazilian propolis, Apigenin (Api) and tt-Farnesol (Far), were added alone or combined into restorative materials. For resin composites and resin cements, both compounds were added in a concentration of 5mM. These compounds were also combined with fluoride (F) in these materials. For dental adhesives, Api was added in 1 mM concentration and Far in 5 mM concentration, combined or not. These compounds were added into a self-etch adhesive (Clearfil S3 Bond Plus) and into an etch-and-rinse adhesive (OptiBond S), both containing fluoride in it composition. Disks were obtained (n=6) and analyzed using VITA Easyshade to evaluate the color parameters: L* (lightness), a* (green-red), b* (blue-yellow) and C* (chroma).
Results: The addition of Api, Api+Far, and Api+Far+F reduced the L* values and increased b* and C* values. Far alone reduced a* values when added to resin composite, and did not affect any of the other parameters. Also, the compounds incorporation into both dental adhesives tested, did not produce any color alteration.
Conclusions: The compounds additions only affected the resin composite and resin cement color parameters. The addition of Api, alone or combined, reduced the lightness and promoted an increased in yeallowish and chroma.