Colour stability of resin infiltrated white spot lesion after exposure to stain-causing drinks

Background: The resin-based materials are used extensively in esthetic restorations but are.prone to color changes over time.

Aims: To assess the discoloration effect of red tea, Arabic coffee, and black coffee on the resin infiltrated white spot lesions (WSL). Moreover, to investigate the impact of time (1d, 3d, and 7d) on the discoloration of the resin infiltrated WSLs.

Materials and methods: Thirty-three extracted human premolar teeth were used to create WSLs, and ICON resin infiltration treatment was performed to obliterate the enamel pores. Teeth with resin infiltrated WSLs were sectioned into two halves by cutting mesio-distally and cross-sectionally at 1 mm below the CEJ. The resin infiltrated specimens was exposed to control (artificial saliva) and staining subgroups. Colour stability was assessed using the CIE L*a*b* system.

Results: Analysis of variance (p < 0.05) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests revealed an insignificant color change in the control group. The immersion of resin infiltrated specimens at time intervals of 1 d (p < 0.001), 3 d (p < 0.001), and 7 d (p < 0.001) showed significant differences in color change.

Conclusion: Resin infiltrated WSLs showed marked color changes after exposure to red tea, black coffee, and Arabic coffee over time. Severe discoloration of the infiltrant was evident with the use of red tea compared to black coffee and Arabic coffee. This suggests that ICON resin-based composite material might not be a suitable material for WSL infiltration.