Evaluation of the impact of acidic drink on the microhardness of different esthetic restorative materials: An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of acidic drink on the microhardness of different esthetic restorative materials. Materials and methods: Sixty samples (20 samples of each group) were prepared. group I: nanohybrid ormocer-based composite, group II: glasiosite compomer, and group III: nanoceramic composite. A cylindrical aluminum mold of 5 mm depth and 10 mm internal diameter was used to prepare the samples. All the esthetic restorative samples were submerged in 25 mL of acidic drink (Coca-Cola) for 10 minutes each day up to 15 days. The microhardness of each sample was measured using a Vickers diamond intender. These values were matched with baseline, 7th day, and 15th day for final microhardness values. Results: The mean surface microhardness of 61.13 ± 0.82 was shown by group I, which was slightly more than that in group II (59.65 ± 1.16) and group III (59.22 ± 1.30). Analysis of covariance did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups. The samples in group III showed the highest reduction in surface microhardness value after immersion into acidic drink, followed by group II and group I on 7th day and 15th day. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found on 7th day. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the esthetic restorative material-nanohybrid ormocer-based composite-showed the finest behavior both before and after being dipped in the acidic drink followed next by glasiosite compomer and nanoceramic composite. Clinical significance: The various esthetic restorative materials with different physical characteristics and colors are marketed in numerous ways. Nevertheless, all dental restorative materials show surface degradation under acidic conditions over a period of time. So, it helps to know the surface microhardness changes of various esthetic restorative materials upon repeated exposure to acidic beverages.