The effect of food imitation liquids on the surface structure and solubility of different aesthetic restorations

Aim: The aim of our study; To examine the surface roughness and solubility of restorative materials depending on the foods they are exposed to in the mouth by using food imitation liquids determined by the FDA. Materials and Methods: In our study, one universal compomer (Dyract XP, Dentsply), one conventional microhybrid composite (Filtekᵀᴹ Z250, 3M ESPE), one nanohybrid composite (G-Aenial Anterior, GC) and one high-viscosity glass ionomer (ChemFill Rock, Dentsply) A total of four aesthetic restorative materials were used. A total of 160 samples were prepared using molds with a diameter of 8mm and a thickness of 2mm. In order to determine the solubility values, the initial weights of the samples were weighed on a precision balance and recorded in micrograms (M1). The initial surface roughness values of the samples were measured using the AFM device. The samples were kept in four different liquids (ethanol, heptane, citric acid and distilled water) for 7 days. After being removed from the solutions, the second weights of the samples, whose weights were fixed by keeping them in the desiccator, were recorded as M3. Then the second surface roughness values were measured. The solubility values of the samples were calculated according to the ISO 4049:2009 specification. Results: It was determined that the material exhibiting the highest solubility and roughness increase among all the materials kept in food-imitation solutions was ChemFil Rock high-viscosity glass ionomer cement. It was determined that the solution causing the highest surface roughness value increase and solubility in this material was citric acid (p<0.005). Conclusion: In the oral environment, restorative materials are exposed to the chemicals in the food, the forces that occur during chewing and constant temperature changes, and therefore their surface properties and solubility values vary. It was observed that all the restorative materials we used in our study were affected by food imitation liquids at different rates in terms of surface roughness and solubility. Keywords: Aesthetic restorative materials, food imitation liquids, surface roughness, solubility.