COLOR STABILITY OF LIGHT-CURED AND POST-CURED COMPOSITES

Purpose: To determine the color stability of five composites after lig ht-curing and recommended post-curing using reflection spectrophotomet ry. Materials and Methods: Samples of the composites were prepared as disks 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick. The pre-cured samples were pre pared with a clear plastic sheet on the top and bottom of disk, presse d between two glass slabs to the thickness of the mold, and then remov ed from between the glass slabs. The color of the samples was measured with the clear plastic sheets in place. The color of the composites b efore curing served as the control. Results: Light-curing caused barel y perceptible to perceptible color changes for all of the composites f rom the pre-cured shade. Clearfil and TrueVitality changed color signi ficantly more than Charisma, Conquest C&B and Herculite XRV. Once the composites were light-cured, post-curing caused no further perceptible changes in shade.