Comparison of conventional versus colored compomers for class II restorations in primary molars: a 12-month clinical study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the 12-month clinical performance of conventional (Compoglass F) and colored (Twinky Star) compomer restorative materials in class II restorations of primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 196 restorations were placed in 98 children aged between 5 and 10 years (mean age: 7.43 +/- 1.31 years) who had bilateral matched pairs of carious posterior class II primary molars. A split-mouth design was used in which 2 materials (Compoglass F, Twinky Star) were randomly placed on contralateral sides by 3 dentists. At baseline, after 6 and after 12 months, the restorations were evaluated using modified US Public Health Service criteria for: secondary caries, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, anatomic form and surface texture. The Alpha and Bravo scores were considered as clinical success. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests (p < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival method was applied to estimate survival percentages. RESULTS No significant difference was found among the groups at all recalls regarding marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, anatomic form, secondary caries and surface texture. The 12-month mean cumulative survival rate of Compoglass F was 95.7%, while in the Twinky Star group, the survival rate was 93% in class II restorations with no significant difference between the groups for either material. CONCLUSION Both conventional and colored compomer materials are suitable restorative materials for primary teeth for at least 12 months. Colored compomers could also be a good alternative to tooth-colored compomers in the restoration of primary molars.