ABSTRACT
Introduction: Long term success of any composite resinrestorative materials mainly depends on their color stability.The aim of the investigation was to examine the color stabilityof three resin-based composite materials with a high contentof inorganic filling material (Spectrum, Filtrex Z350 andTetric N Ceram).Material and Methods: Changes in color of test sampleswere determined after complete immersion in test solutionsused primarily in Kashmiri population viz. Kashmiri tea,Saffron Kehwa and a turmeric solution. Color differenceswere measured by using a spectrophotometer and CIE L*a*b*color scale and the total amount of color difference wasrepresented as ∆E.Results: For all composite resins, Turmeric solution causedthe most severe cases of discoloration (∆E > 8.25). Kashmiritea and Saffron Kehwa caused invisible (∆E <1) or visible (∆E>1) discoloration. In some samples clinically unacceptable(∆E > 3.3) discoloration was noted.Conclusion: No significant difference was found amongthe composite resins or between color values of specimensimmersed in Kashmiri tea or Saffron kehwa. Immersingspecimens in turmeric solution caused greater color changein all types of composite resins tested. It is apparent from theresults that it is essential to improve the color stability of thecomposite resin materials used in esthetic zone