Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry

The given research aims to evaluate how different polishing methods affect the color stability of composite and compomer restorations in pediatric dentistry. Maintaining consistent specimen preparation and color measurement conditions can be challenging, but standardizing these steps is crucial to ensure accurate and reproducible results. To begin, place the restorative material into a silicone mold.

Press the materials between one millimeter glass plates with Mylar strips to match the mold's thickness. Now, cure the restorative materials from one side using a light emitting diode for 20 seconds with an intensity of 1.47 milliwatts per square centimeter. Finish the specimens in groups 1.1 and 2.1 using a series of four step aluminum oxide discs for 20 seconds each.

For groups 1.2 and 2.2, after polishing the specimens with aluminum oxide discs, finish them with a one step polishing rubber kit for 20 seconds at low pressure. Similarly for groups 1.3 and 2.3, after polishing with aluminum oxide discs, finish the specimens with one step polishing felt discs for 20 seconds each, while subjecting the felt discs to continuous water irrigation. In groups 1.4 and 2.4, after applying aluminum oxide discs, apply two steps spiral wheels for 20 seconds.

Place the prepared specimens in distilled water and store them at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours to allow rehydration and complete polymerization. Use a spectrophotometer to evaluate the baseline color measurements of all groups relative to a standard illuminant. Store the prepared discs in cherry juice to compare the discoloration resistance of the materials and polishing techniques, and incubate all samples at 37 degrees Celsius for seven days.

At the end of the experiment, rinse the discs thoroughly with distilled water and dry them using tissue paper before conducting color measurements, following the same procedure shown earlier. When comparing the composite resin and compomer discs, noticeable differences in color stability were observed. Discoloration was more pronounced in the specimens polished with aluminum oxide discs alone, and in those additionally treated with felt discs, particularly among composite resin groups.

No significant differences in discoloration were found between the composite resin and compomer in the aluminum oxide discs, plus polishing rubber kit, aluminum oxide discs, plus spiral wheels and control groups. The given protocol provides a standardized and practical method to evaluate color changes after polishing. The provided findings will guide pediatric dentists in selecting optimal polishing systems, improving the color stability and durability of restorations in children's teeth.