Impact of Pediatric Drugs on Color Stability of Different Aesthetic Restorative Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The current in vitro research aims to assess the effect of pediatric drug formulations on color steadiness of different aesthetic restorative materials employed in pedodontics. Materials and methods: This research studied three different aesthetic restorative agents based on which allocation was performed to three different investigational groups as under group 1: Composite resin, group 2: Giomer, group 3: Zirconia-reinforced GIC. Forty disk-like specimens were prepared for each of these materials, employing molds to attain a uniform size of 10 mm diameter by 2 mm thickness. For every specimen, the material was manipulated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations followed by adaptation to the mold. The specimen’s from every material, that is, 20 for each medicinal liquid formulation, were subjected to immersion in two drugs in liquid form—Antibiotics (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) and Analgesics (Ibuprofen and Paracetamol) thrice daily for 2 minutes at 37°C during the investigational tenure of 1 week. The shade/ specimen color was evaluated employing a spectrophotometer in agreement with the CIELAB. Results: Following immersion in the antibiotic liquid, maximum resisting power toward color alteration was delineated by Giomer (2.62 ± 0.16–4.24 ± 0.06), pursued by Zirconia-strengthened GIC (2.40 ± 0.11–7.18 ± 0.10), then Composite resin (2.36 ± 0.03–9.02 ± 0.08) in that order. Following immersion in the analgesic liquid, maximum resisting power toward color alteration was delineated by Giomer (2.63 ± 0.14–4.88 ± 0.02), pursued by Zirconia-strengthened GIC (2.38 ± 0.10–8.48 ± 0.14), then Composite resin (2.42 ± 0.02–10.39 ± 0.12) in that order. Conclusion: According to the results of the current research, a conclusion may be derived that, although each of the aesthetic restorative materials depicted staining following exposure to two different medicinal liquid formulations, Giomer exhibited maximum resistance to color alteration than zirconia-strengthened GIC and composite resin. Clinical significance: The unceasing advice of pediatric medicines can display staining of both natural dentition as well as restorations. The esthetic appearance being a key apprehension for parents as well as their children these days, the enduring color steadiness of restorative materials is of the highest significance.