Color stability of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement

The color stability of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji H LC) was investigated over six months using colorimetry. Five shades (A2, A3, A4, B3 and C4) were selected and 10 square specimens (7 min wide and long, and 1.5 min deep) were made for each shade using special grit molds. CIE L*, a*, b* color parameters of the specimens were taken at one day, one week, one month, three months and six months. Results were subjected to ALA-NOVA and ANOVA/Scheffe's test at significance level 0.05. The effects of time on color parameters (L*, a*, b* values) were found to be shade dependent. All shades exhibited a decrease in L* values over time. With the exception of shade B3, significant differences in L* values were observed at six months. A general decrease in b* values was also observed but differences among the various time intervals were not significant except for shades A3 and C4. No apparent trends were observed for changes in a* values. For all shades, the largest color change (AE) was observed between one day and one week. The color stability of the resin-modified glass ionomer investigated was shade dependent. A general decrease in lightness and yellow chroma. was observed.