Impact of Different Time Intervals on the Color Stability of Glass Ionomer Cement and Composite Materials Bonded to Silver Diamine Fluoride: An In Vitro Study.

Objective This in vitro study evaluated the impact of different time intervals on the color stability of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite materials bonded to teeth treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Specifically, the study sought to determine if immediate or delayed application of these restorative materials affects the degree of staining caused by SDF. Materials and methods Twenty-eight extracted primary molars with cavitated lesions were randomly divided into four groups, each comprising seven samples. SDF was applied to all samples, followed by either immediate or delayed restoration using GIC or composite materials. Group I received immediate composite restorations, Group II received immediate GIC restorations, Group III received composite restorations after a two-week delay, and Group IV received GIC restorations after a two-week delay. Color measurements were taken at various time points using a digital spectrophotometer, and the color difference (ΔE value) was calculated using the CIELAB color space system. Results Composite restorations exhibited better color stability than GIC. Immediate restorations had higher discoloration (ΔE: composite 4.25, GIC 26.95). Delaying restorations by two weeks reduced discoloration (composite 1.66, GIC 10.66), with composites showing minimal color change. Conclusion Composite restorations exhibited superior color stability compared to GIC, and delayed restoration reduced SDF-induced staining more effectively than immediate restoration.