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.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and oxidative effects of the most commonly used dental restorative materials on human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs). HGFCs were obtained from healthy individuals. The tested restorative materials were a microhybrid resin based composite, a compomer resin, a glass ionomer cement, and an amalgam alloy. One hundred eight cylindirical samples, 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height, were prepared according to ISO 10993-12:2002 specifications (n = 9 in the tested subgroups). Freshly prepared and aged samples in artificial saliva at 37 °C (7 and 21 d) were placed into well plates and incubated. Wells without dental materials were constituted as the control group. After 72 h incubation period, cytotoxicity was determined using the neutral red (NR) assay. Oxidative alterations were assessed using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) assay kits. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. All tested materials led to significant decreases in the cell viability rates (33–73%) compared to the control group. Glass ionomer and resin composite were found to be more cytotoxic than amalgam alloy and compomer. The highest TAC level was observed in glass ionomer after seven-day aging and these changes prevented an increase in TOS levels. Increases in TAC levels after seven-day aging in all groups exhibited significant differences with freshly prepared samples (p < 0.05). In all material groups, TOS levels of freshly prepared samples differed statistically and significantly from samples aged for 7 and 21 d (p < 0.05). The data obtained suggested that all the tested materials exhibited cytotoxic and pro-oxidant features. Freshly prepared samples caused higher TOS levels. However, oxidant status induced by materials decreased over time.

Background: Marginal leakage is the important factor influencing the maintenance of dental esthetic. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the preparation techniques and type of polymerization techniques on microleakage of composite laminate veneers. Materials and Methods: Ninety-one same sized, caries-free human maxillary central incisors were randomly assigned to 13 groups (n = 7) and were designed with four different preparation techniques (window type, feather type, bevel type, and incisal overlap type). One group determined as control group and any preparation was applied. Nanohybrid resin composite was used for restoration. Composite laminate veneers polymerized with three different techniques (direct light curing, indirect polymerization with a combination of pressure, light and heat using a light cup and heat cup, direct polymerization, and additionally heat cured in an oven). The specimens were thermocycled, and then immersed in 5% basic fuchsine solution. Following 24 h, all specimens were immersed in 65% nitric acid solutions for volumetric dye extraction test. Samples diluted with distilled water and centrifuged and microleakage determined by a spectrophotometer. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey honest significant difference post hoc multiple comparisons test (P < 0.05). Results: For comparing the microleakage value of preparation and polymerization techniques, Window type preparation showed a significant difference in direct polymerization + additional cured group (P < 0.05). Control group was statistically different from the other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Window type laminate preparation can be preferred in indirect polymerization technique because it caused less leakage in this present study.