Effect of cola drinks on surface roughness of some contemporary tooth-colored restorative materials: a non-contact interferometric approach

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of soft drinks and the growing use of tooth colored restorative materials aroused the need for the current research. This research aimed to determine the actual impact of Cola drinks on the surface roughness of some widely used contemporary toot-colored restorative technique that provides both quantitative data [Ra, um] and qualitative representation through three dimensional Interferometric Microscopic [3DIM] images. Six direct tooth-colored restorative materials were selected. The materials include hybrid composite [z250], nanofilled composite [Filtek supreme], an ormocer [Definite], a poly acid modified composite [Dyract Extra], a giomer [Beautifil] and a resin modified glass ionomer [Fuji II LC]. Two variants of Cola drinks were used for immersion of the materials, these were Coca Cola regular and Coca Cola light. Based on previous international surveys, three regimens for the frequency of intake were followed. These were low intake [immersion once a day], medium intake [5 times a day] and high intake [10 times a day]. The immersion pattern was performed in a way simulating a real consumption pattern which was determined by a pilot study on young adults. The tested restorative materials were stored in artificial saliva at 37[degree sign] C when not exposed to the drink to simulate the clinical condition. The immersion regimens were followed for one week. Surface roughness was assessed at base line and after one week. The results showed that both Cola drinks significantly increased the surface roughness of the tested specimens, surprisingly; Cola light had more damaging effect. The adverse effect of Cola drinks was found to be material dependant. Moreover, the results clarified that the negative impact of Cola drinks becomes more pronounced by increasing the frequency of intake. Within the scope of this study, it could be concluded that consumption of Cola drinks adversely affect the surface roughness of the esthetic restorative materials, particularly, glass ionomer containing or based restorative materials. Careful selection of the restorative materials for the patients according to their soft drinking habits [type and frequency] is recommended. Finally, it is worth to mention that dietary awareness in general public health programs is an important issue and should be effectively applied