Color change evaluation of three universal resin composites after storage in water: An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color changes of three different universal resin composites after immersion in distilled water for one month. Materials and Methods: Omnichroma, Estelite Sigma Quick, and Filtek Universal Restorative were investigated. Ten disk shaped specimens (6 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions for each material. After polishing, initial color measurements were taken followed by individual storage of the specimens in distilled water at 37 degrees C for one month when color measurements were repeated. The change in the color of each resin composites (Delta E-00) was calculated with a digital method, using the CIEDE2000 color difference formula. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test (P < .05). Results: All resin composites exhibited acceptable color change after one month. Omnichroma exhibited the highest color change (2.26 +/- 0.48) value while Filtek Universal Restorative showed the lowest (1.14 +/- 0.38) value. All color parameters influenced the Delta E-00 values in all groups except Filtek Universal for Delta L* and Delta b, values. Conclusion: When performing composite resin restorations, especially for esthetic purposes, polymerization may lead to change in the color of restorative material over time, but it should be considered whether this is within acceptable limits.