Effect of light curing unit and antiseptic mouthwashes on the physical properties of gingiva-colored composite resin

Objective: This study evaluated surface roughness (Ra) and color difference (ΔE00) of a gingiva-colored composite resin (NT Premium Gengiva, Coltene), light-activated with three light curing units (LCU) and immersed in different mouthwash solutions. Methods: 90 composite specimens (n=10) were divided according to the LCU: L1-Valo, L2-Bluephase and L3-Optilight Max; and solution: S1-alcohol-based antiseptic mouthwash (Listerine Cool Mint), S2-alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash (Listerine Cool Mint Zero Alcohol) and S3-water (control). Immersions were performed for 30 s, 2x/day, for 21 days. Ra and coordinates of luminosity (L*) and color (a* and b*) were measured using a rugosimeter (SJ-201 P/M) and a spectrophotometer (SP62S), respectively, at: T0-start, T1-7 days, T2-14 days and T3-21 days. Results: L1 (1.3±0.9) presented higher Ra than L3 (0.7±0.6) and L2 (1.0±0.8); and Ra for S2 (0.9±0.1) was greater than S3 (-0.1±0.1), and S1 (0.1±0.1). Moreover, L1 (23.3±0.3) presented lower ΔE00 t han L 2 (24.7±0.3) a nd L 3 (25.1±0.3). Conclusion: Ra of the gingiva-colored composite resin tested increased when L1 and S2 were used, although L1-cured specimens also showed the lowest ΔE00.