Exogenous Causes of Discoloration of Direct Teeth Restorations with Composite Materials

INTRODUCTION: Technological processes of manufacture of dental materials with different manipulation qualities and physicochemical properties, are being constantly improved. Nowadays, a doctor can select the optimal material for each specific clinical case and to achieve the maximal functional and esthetic result. Thus, the most common method of restoration of the tooth crown is direct restoration using composite materials. In the last decade, the demand for conservative restorative dentistry has sharply increased. In turn, esthetic characteristics of composite materials are of key importance both in filling of teeth of the anterior group, and in restoration of the lateral teeth. Discoloration of the dental filling material is a common cause of its replacement. Therefore, to achieve a positive long-term result, it is important to prevent the change of composite color over time. This requires a clear understanding of the causes and conditions of discolorations. AIM: To systematize the scientific data accumulated in recent years concerning the study of the effect of coloring substances of human diet on the aesthetic characteristics of composite materials for direct dental restoration. CONCLUSION: Various pigments present in food and beverages have an effect on composite materials, reducing their microhardness, increasing the rate of wear and changing the color. It depends on the composition of the composite matrix and its chemical structure. Many studies prove that BIS-GMA based composite materials are most susceptible to staining, while UDMA and BIS-EMA matrices, as well as silorane resins, are stained to a lesser extent.