Impact of Carbonated Beverages on Color Stability and Home Bleaching Efficacy of Bulk-Fill Composite Resins

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess, in vitro, the color stability and bleaching response of three bulk-fill composite resins- consumed carbonated beverages and subsequent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Methods: Ninety-six samples (two- and four-mm thick) of the materials were immersed in malt drink, energy drink, cola, or distilled water for one day, one week, and two months. After two months, samples underwent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide gel. Spectrophotometric analysis measured color and whiteness changes pre-immersion, post-immersion, and post-bleaching. Statistical significance was determined using factorial mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), three-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P<0.05). Results: All tested composite resins exhibited unacceptable discoloration (color change greater than 3.3) after two months in carbonated beverages. FiltekTM One Bulk-Fill and FiltekTM Z250 displayed the most significant discoloration, particularly when immersed in the malt drink (P<0.05). In contrast, ActivaTM samples reached unacceptable discoloration within just one week in malt and cola drinks. Home bleaching yielded limited whiteness recovery, with ActivaTM presenting acceptable whiteness post-bleaching after staining with cola and energy drinks. Conclusions: This study highlights the aesthetic risks of prolonged carbonated beverage consumption and the limitations of the assessed home bleaching technique using 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Enhanced dental education on the dietary effects of some beverages on restorative materials is indicated by these findings.