Effect of plaque detectors on the color stability of a glass-ionomer cement

Aim: To investigate the color stability of a glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after staining with 2 plaque detectors (PDs) with different composition and delivery forms. Methods: Twenty rectangular-shaped specimens (7x3x2mm) were produced with a glass-ionomer cement (GIC; Fujy IX GP, GC Corp.). Color evaluation at baseline (T0) was performed with a novel digital colorimeter (Smart_Color, Smartvision). The following PDs were used (n=10): 1) Tablets (T; Plaq-SearchTM, TePe) and 2) Mouthwash (M; Plaque Agent, Miradent). The PDs were washed out according to manufacturers’ instructions with a disposable toothbrush per each specimen. Color parameters were retaken after washing (T1) as well as after polishing (T2). The same protocol (T01, T11 and T21) was repeated after 1 week. Color changes (ΔEab) measurements at the different testing times were automatically recorded by the digital colorimeter. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results: The type of PD, the polishing procedure and their interactions influenced the color stability of the GIC tested (p<0.001). M resulted in higher color changes than T (p<0.05). Repolishing could not reestablish the initial color of GIC, irrespective of the PD used (p<0.05). Conclusions: The use of plaque detectors can influence the color stability of the GIC tested in a material-dependent way, with the color changes increasing with the number of applications. Discoloration was maintained even after repolishing. From an esthetic point of view, this is clinically relevant, thus requiring further studies in this direction.