OBJECTIVE: To compare the stain resistance of a nano composite resin with and without surface treatments in tea and coffee solutions at different time intervals.
STUDY DESIGN: In Vitro Experimental analytical study.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Total seventy two disk shaped specimens (10 mm x 3 mm) of a nano composite (Z350 3M ESPE) were fabricated. Half of the specimens were immersed in tea solution and other half specimens were in coffee solution. There were two experimental groups, one comprised of soflex finished group( 3M ESPE) and other was soflex finished + polished group(Composite polishing Paste Sultan USA) and one control group comprised of mylar strip cured specimens. A spectrophotometer was used for the initial color assessment and for final color change after 45 minutes, 24hours,48 hours and one week. Two way repeated measure ANOVA and Post Hoc tukey test was applied for significant difference between groups.
RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in discoloration between mylar cured group and finished + polished group at p < 0.05. The highest discoloration was observed with soflex finished group followed by mylar cured group followed by (finished + polished) group. Tea showed more discoloration in mylar cured specimens while the coffee showed more discoloration in both experimental groups.
CONCLUSION: Surface treatments, storage solutions and immersion time were significant factor that influence discoloration. Dentist should remove the mylar film finished surface and polish composite after finishing procedures. After placement of composite filling dentist should advise patients to reduce the intake of tea, coffee and brush teeth twice a day.