There are studies that examined the effect of staining on the surface properties of composite resins, using different solutions and bleaching applications. However, the effect of both staining and bleaching on the same composite specimens is an issue that needs to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the surface microhardness, roughness and color changes (ΔE) of 2 different composite resins after staining and bleaching. A microhybrid and a nanohybrid composite were used in the study. One hundred and fifty specimens were prepared from each composite. The specimens were divided into 5 groups and stained for 30 days with tea, coffee, cola, red wine, or distilled water (control). Subsequently, each group was divided into 3 subgroups. Each subgroup received a 14-day application of Opalescence™ Boost, Opalescence PF or VivaStyle® Paint On Plus bleaching materials. The color as well as surface microhardness and roughness of all specimens were determined at baseline, after staining and after bleaching. Data was analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni method. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the surface microhardness of the microhybrid composite specimens after bleaching (p < 0.05).The highest ΔE values were observed in the red wine groups for both composite resins. Staining and bleaching may affect surface properties and color, depending on the type, filler and matrix content of the composite resin.

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate temperature change in fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resin photopolymerized with a light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit (LCU). Materials and Methods: Forty dentine disks (1 mm thick and 8 mm diameter) were prepared from human molars. The FRC specimens (2 mm thickness and 8 mm diameter) consisted of polyethylene fiber (Construct (CT)) products or glass fiber (ever Stick (ES)) and one hybrid composite bonded to the dentin disks and polymerized with an LED LCU. Control groups were prepared using the hybrid composite. Temperature rise in dentine samples under the FRC bonded disks was measured using a K-type thermocouple, and data were recorded. Temperature change data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test. Results: The results show that addition of fiber (one or two layers) did not change temperature rise values at any of the exposure times (P > 0.05). The CT fiber/two layer/40 s group exhibited the greatest temperature rise (5.49 ± 0.62) and the ES/one layer/10 s group the lowest rise (1.75 ± 0.32). A significant difference was observed in temperature rise measured during 10 and 20 s exposures (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Maximal temperature rise determined in all groups was not critical for pulpal health, although clinicians need to note temperature rises during polymerization.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermal insulating properties of different light curing cavity liners and composite resins during light emitting diode (LED) curing. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four dentin discs, 1 mm thick and 8 mm in diameter, were prepared. Specimens were divided into four groups. Calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH] ₂ ), resin-modified glass ionomer cement, flowable composite and adhesive systems were applied to dentin discs according to the manufacturers' instructions. The rise in temperature during polymerization with a LED curing unit (LCU) was measured using a K-type thermocouple connected to a data logger. Subsequently, all specimens were randomly divided into one of two groups. A silorane-based composite resin and a methacrylate-based composite resin were applied to the specimens. Temperature rise during polymerization of composite resins with LCU were then measured again. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey analyses. Results: There were significant differences in temperature rise among the liners, adhesives, and composite resins (P < 0.05). Silorane-based composite resin exhibited significantly greater temperature rises than methacrylate-based resin (P < 0.05). The smallest temperature rises were observed in Ca(OH) ₂ specimens. Conclusion: Thermal insulating properties of different restorative materials are important factors in pulp health. Bonding agents alone are not sufficient to protect pulp from thermal stimuli throughout curing.