Effects of staining solutions on the discoloration of orthodontic adhesives: An in-vitro study

Introduction Our aim was to evaluate the effects of staining solutions on the discoloration of orthodontic adhesives. Methods Six orthodontic adhesives were investigated (Transbond XT [3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif, USA], Heliosit Orthodontic [Ivoclar Vivadent, Liectenstein], Light Bond [Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, IL, USA], Bisco Ortho [Bisco, Schamburg, IL, USA], Quick Cure [Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, IL, USA], and Filtek Supreme XT [3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn, USA]), and 5 beverages (tea, cola, coffee, red wine, and yogurt). Sixty specimens were prepared. Five specimens from each group were stored in each of the 5 staining solutions. The 5 remaining specimens from each group served as the controls and were stored in distilled water. The specimens were immersed in staining solutions and water at 37°C ± 1°C for 5 days. The test period was 25 days. Before and after the test period, color measurements were carried out with a spectrophotometer, and color changes (ΔE∗) were calculated. Statistical differences were evaluated by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey HSD tests. Results Adhesive materials, staining agents, and their interactions were found to play statistically significant roles ( P 3.7), respectively. Conclusions In esthetically critical areas, discoloration of adhesive materials for fixed orthodontics can cause patient dissatisfaction. Orthodontic composites will discolor from staining beverages during their lifespan.