ABSTRACT
Current innovations in restorative dentistry include nanofilled composite resinmaterials for direct and indirect restorations. Moreover, the advances in adhesivedentistry have provided autopolymerising, dual-polymerizing and lightpolymerizing resin-based adhesives for ceramic restoration bonding. In addition,resin cements have been combined with self-adhesive components for adhesiveprocedures. Composite failure has been a great challenge for dental clinician all overthe world , making it difficult for the dentist to satisfy patients. Major problems seeninclude polymerization, shrinkage and colour instability. There being no perfectmethod for this restorative material to overcome the problems, clinicians must keepin mind as to what material and technique should be used in a patient dependingupon the case. The success of composite restorations is due to their colour stabilityover time. Accurate shade matching of tooth coloured restoration with the adjacentdentition is essential not only at the time of fabrication but also for the lifetimedurability. Discolouration of composite resins can be caused by internal or externalfactors. Internally induced discolouration is permanent and is related to polymerquality, filler type, and amount, as well as the synergist added to the photo initiatorsystem. Alterationof matrix or filler components of resin composites andincomplete polymerization constitute intrinsic factors leading to discolouration. It isreported that saliva, food components, and beverages may affect the aesthetics andintegrity of dental composites. This is a factual truth for dental porcelain but incontradiction, colour instability in porcelain restoration is a common dilemmanowadays, especially when they are exposed to routinely consumable beverages.We have reviewed different factors responsible for colour stability of compositerestoration, and different s