RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of polishing methods on the color stability of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two bulk-fill and four conventional resin composites were filled in cylindrical molds (6 mm diameter, 4 mm height) and light-cured. The specimens were stored in 34℃ distilled water for 24 h. Spectrophotometer was used to determine the color value according to the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) color space. Each group was divided into three groups according to polishing methods (n = 5). Group 1 was control group (Mylar strip group), group 2 was polished with PoGo, and group 3 was polished with Sof-Lex Spiral wheels. Color evaluation was performed weekly for 4 weeks after immersion in 34℃ distilled water. The results were analyzed by generalized least squares method (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Generalized least squares analysis revealed that Sof-Lex Spiral wheels group showed the significantly lower ΔE values compared to PoGo and control group (P < 0.05). The ΔE values of polished group showed the significantly lower than the ΔE values of unpolished group (P < 0.05). Regarding color changes of composite resins, there was no significant difference between the ΔE values of Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350 XT Universal restorative in all time intervals (P < 0.05). Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill showed the significantly lower ΔE values compared to other composite resins in 1, 2, 3 weeks (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, polishing methods influence the color stabilities of composite resins. The group polished with Sof-Lex Spiral Wheels showed more resistance to discoloration than group polished with PoGo.