The objective of this study was to review the experimental in vitro procedures employed to assess the color stability of resin-based composites exposed to smoke. A literature search was performed on four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science). The quality of the included papers was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). In total, 25 studies were selected for full-text reading, from which 12 were included in the review. The assessed variables were: dimensions, shape, time before exposure, finishing, smoke-type, exposure time, brushing simulation, color, measuring system, repolishing. A disk-shaped specimen was used in most studies (n=10) with a 2 mm thickness (n=7) in custom made devices equipped with vacuum pumps or in Vitrocell systems. Spectrophotometers were the most used devices (n=11). Color differences were quantified with ΔE (n=12), ΔE00 (n=1). The large variety of staining procedures suggests the need for standardization.
Keywords: Color stability; Resin-based composites; Smoke; Staining.