Can Bioactivity Preserve Esthetics? Color Stability of Resin Composites Following Exposure to Everyday Beverages

Abstract

1.Background/Objectives: Resin-based composites are widely used restorative materials; however, their long-term esthetic stability may be affected by exposure to commonly consumed beverages. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the color stability of a bioactive resin composite (Predicta® Bioactive Bulk Fill) and a conventional microhybrid resin composite (Filtek™ Z250 Universal Restorative) following immersion in coffee, Coca-Cola, and Nestea.  2.Methods: Forty disc-shaped specimens (n = 40) were fabricated, polished, and randomly allocated to four immersion media (distilled water, coffee, Coca-Cola, and Nestea; n = 5/group). After seven days of immersion at 37°C, color measurements were performed using a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer according to the CIE Lab* color system. Descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVA were applied, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05. 3.Results: Coffee produced the greatest color alterations in both materials, resulting in the highest increases in b* values and estimated color differences. Predicta Bioactive showed consistently greater discoloration than Filtek Z250 in all immersion media. The highest estimated ΔE*ab values were recorded after coffee immersion (15.77 for Predicta Bioactive and 7.48 for Filtek Z250), followed by Nestea and Coca-Cola. 4.Conclusion: Beverage exposure significantly influenced color stability, with Predicta Bioactive showing greater discoloration than Filtek Z250 and coffee exhibiting the highest staining potential.