Influence of different power densities during polymerization on the color of composite resins

This study evaluated the influence of different levels of power density on resin polymerization in the staining of composite resins. Thirty-six specimens were made with composite resin (Z350 3M ESPE) with cylindrical Teflon matrix (8 mm X 1 mm). The light curing was performed with different degrees of power density for each group (n=12): 300mW/cm², 700mW/cm² e 1000mW/cm². Afterwards, the specimens had their color checked, with the help of a spectrophotometer and immersed in coffee solution during 7 days. After, a new measuring was done (CIEL*a*b* color system). Results showed, for Δa, only G1000 group obtained a significantly lower value, and the same result was found in the evaluation of Δb. For ∆E and ∆L, no significant differences were found between groups. It is concluded that, low and medium power density entails more reddish and bluish composite resin, while the specimens submitted to high power density and then immersed in coffee did not present color change in a short term. Keywords: Composite resin. Staining. Light curing.