Evaluation of microhardness and color change of tooth‑colored restorative materials after cyclic immersions in sport and energy drinks: in vitro study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Operative Department, faculty of dentistry , Beni-seuf University

2 Operative department , faculty of Dentistry, Beni-suef University

3 Biomaterials Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

4 Restorative department , faculty of oral and dental medicine, Modern university for technology and information

Abstract

Aim of the study: This research aimed to examine the impact of sports and energy beverages on the surface hardness and color stability of nanohybrid resin composite (Zirconfill) and universal nanocomposite (Filtek Z350 XT).
Methods: Samples of each resin based composite material were fabricated using a polytetrafluoroethylene mold with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. These specimens were categorized into three groups: sports beverage, energy beverage, and deionized water (serving as a negative control). They underwent an alternating immersion process, being placed in the test solution for 5 seconds, followed by artificial saliva for another 5 seconds, for a total of 24 cycles. Afterward, they were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours. The immersion cycle was conducted daily for a duration of two weeks. Hardness and color measurements were conducted using a Vickers microhardness tester and a reflective spectrophotometer, respectively, at baseline (before immersion), as well as after 7 and 14 days (n=14).
Results: After beverages insertion, the Filtek Z350 XT Nanofilled resin composite exhibited significantly lower hardness, and greater color alterations compared to the other materials (P < 0.05). Additionally, energy beverage groups led to more pronounced color alteration than sport beverage groups, with statistical significance (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The novel nanohybrid composite Zirconfill BM4 demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, high microhardness values, and lower susceptibility to discoloration in sports and energy drinks. This suggests that Zirconfill BM4 could be a promising alternative as a filler for nanohybrid dental composites.

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Egyptian Dental Journal
Volume 71, Issue 3 - Serial Number 5
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
July 2025
Pages 2567-2579

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