Color Stability of Various Resin Sealants After Staining Protocol

Objectives: Evaluate the color change in various resin sealants when activated by a multi-peak light-curing unit (LCU), in comparison to a flowable resin composite.
Methods: Four different resin sealants were evaluated: [HS] Helioseal® F Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent), [CP] Clinpro™ (3M™ Oral Care), [GS] Grandio Seal (VOCO GmbH), and [XT] Ultraseal XT™ Hydro (Ultradent Products Inc.). A flowable resin composite (3M™ Filtek™ Supreme Flowable Restorative, A2) was used as control. Using PVS, molds were made from custom 3D-printed models measuring 6.0mm in diameter and 2.0mm in height. Materials were inserted into the molds (n=5), covered by a Mylar® strip, pressed using a microscope slide, and light-activated for 20 seconds using a multi-peak LCU (VALO™ X, Ultradent) in standard mode. All specimens were wet-finished and polished using sandpaper (grits 600 and 1200). The L*, a*, and b* color parameters for each specimen were assessed on both white and black backgrounds using a clinical spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade®, VITA Zahnfabrik). A staining protocol using black tea was applied. Each specimen was immersed for 24h at 37oC, rinse and dried, and subjected to a 5-minute ultrasonic bath in distilled water. Data was then collected, and ΔE calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 10.0.2, utilizing ANOVA with a preset alpha of 0.05.
Results: All evaluated resin sealants exhibited a ΔE greater than 11, in contrast to the flowable resin composite that was below 3.5. The b* parameter was most influenced, showing a trend towards yellowing (ordered as HS>XT>GS>CP>FT), followed by a decrease in the L* parameter indicating darkening (GS>XT≥HS≥CP>FT). Finally, the a* parameter experienced minor positive and negative variations.
Conclusions: Resin sealants demonstrate higher susceptibility to staining than flowable resin composites. Black tea exposure led to a more yellow hue (increased b*) and a darkening effect (reduced L*) in resin sealants.