Composites Associated with Pulp-Protection Material: Color-Stability Analysis after Accelerated Artificial Aging

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the color stability of two composites associated with two pulp protectors submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). METHODS 60 test specimens were made with 0.5 mm of protection material (calcium hydroxide - CH or glass ionomer cement - GIC) and 2.5 mm of restoration material (Concept or QuixFil) and divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to the type of protection material/composite, and the control group (no protection). After polishing, color readings were obtained with a spectrophotometer (PCB 6807 Byk Gardner) before and after AAA for 384 hours, and L*, a*, and b* coordinates and total color variation (DeltaE) were analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, alpha=05). RESULTS Composites placed on CH presented lower L* levels than those on GIC, which presented higher L* values than the control group and lower b* values than those of the CH group. The Concept composite presented higher DeltaE levels for all groups, differing statistically from QuixFil, except when placed on GIC. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that the protection material could affect the color stability and AAA is a factor that enhances this effect, depending on the type of composite used.