AN ACCELERATED TEST FOR COLOR STABILITY AND OPACITY CHANGE OF LIGHT CURING COMPOSITE RESINS

광중합 복합레진의 색안정성 및 투명도 변화에 관한 가속시험

Color stability of tooth colored restorative resins is an important factor, particularly in anterior teeth restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability and opacity change of several light curing composite resins. Specimens of eight composite resins(Prisma AP. H., Brilliant Enamel, Charisma, Durafil, Helio Progress, Herculite XR, P-50 and Silux Plus) were divided into two groups : In Group 1, the specimens were polymerized by visible light curing unit for 60 seconds on both sides and in Group 2, the post-cured specimens were heat tempered by light/heat curing unit for 45 units(about 18 min.). All specimens were stored in distilled water at $60^{\circ}C$ for 30 days. The color characteristics($L^*,a^*,b^*$) and opacity of the specimens before and after immersion were measured by spectrocolorimetry and the total color difference(${\Delta}E^*$) and opacity change (${\Delta}Y%$) were computed. The results obtained were as follows : 1. SP and APH in both groups, DF, HP and HXR in Group 1 showed ${\Delta}E^*$-value above 2.0. 2. DF, HP, SP and HXR in Group 1 showed higher ${\Delta}E^*$-value than in Group 2, but the others had no significant difference. 3. The opacity of CH and HXR in Group 1, and of CH and BE in Group 2 decreased after immersion, while that of the others increased. 4. Opacity change of BE, P50 and HXR was significantly different between Group 1 and 2. These results suggest that color change in the post-cure heat tempered specimens by light/heat curing unit was smaller than that of the specimens polymerized by visible light curing unit. No clinically detectable opacity changes were noted for any materials in either goup.