Colour Stability of Tooth-Coloured Restorative Materials Following Exposure to Paediatric Oral Iron Supplementation: An In-Vitro Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the color stability of resin-modified glass ionomer cement and composite-based restorative materials exposed to Ayurvedic-based iron supplements for pediatric patients. Material and Methods: Twenty disk-shaped samples were fabricated from composite and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). The baseline color values of both materials were measured via the CIE l*a*b* system. The samples were divided into groups A (RMGIC) and B (composites), which were exposed to 2 iron supplements, Tonoferon and Lohasava (n=40), over a 40-day test period. The colors of all the samples were measured again. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test and an independent sample t-test (p<0.05). Results: Dental restorative materials based on composites and RMGIC are susceptible to color changes when exposed to pediatric iron supplements. A significant color change was observed in RMGIC discs immersed in Lohasava, followed by composite discs immersed in Lohasava when subjected to immersion in composite discs immersed in standard pediatric iron syrup (Tonoferon). Conclusion: Compared with conventional iron supplements, Ayurvedic iron supplements cause more discolouration in composites and resin-modified glass ionomer cement.