Influence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in comparison to conventional cigarette on color stability of dental restorative materials

Objective: The use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is increasing rapidly. However, its discoloring effect on dental restorations is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ENDS aerosol when compared to conventional cigarette smoke (CS) on the color stability of dental ceramic (DC) and resin composite (RC). Methods: This research project was conducted from November 2018 to May 2019. In this study 30 discs each for DC and RC materials were fabricated to be equally divided into groups of exposure to CS, ENDS aerosol and storage in distilled water (No smoke; NS) respectively (n=10). Specimens were exposed for a total of 7 days, with a rate of 10 cycles per day, each cycle represented 10 puffs. The color change was assessed using the CIELAB color space, by calculating Delta E. Data was analysed using ANOVA and multiple comparisons test. Results: Ceramic specimens in CS (2.422 +/- 0.771) and ENDS (2.396 +/- 0.396) groups showed comparable Delta E (color change) (p=0.992). Similarly, composite specimens in CS (42.871 +/- 2.442) and ENDS (46.866 +/- 3.64) groups showed comparable Delta E (p>0.05). NS specimens in both composite and ceramic samples showed lower Delta E than CS and ENDS specimens respectively. Conclusions: Aerosol from Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) showed similar discoloration levels as cigarette smoking (CS). The level of discoloration for ceramic samples for both ENDS and CS was below clinically perceptible levels (Mean Delta E < 2.5). Discoloration of composite resin due to CS and ENDS was visually perceptible (Mean Delta E > 4.0).