Objective: To evaluate the hardness (KHN), color stability (DE), and superficial micromorphology of two categories of composites after immersion in either distilled water or grape juice for up to 45 days. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens (6 mm diameter x 2 mm thick) were obtained according to the factors: composite [Opallis (FGM) and Filtek Z350XT (3M ESPE)]; immersion solution (distilled water and grape juice); and evaluation time: 24 h and 7, 14, 21, 28, and 45 days. After photoactivation, the specimens were stored at 37ºC for 24 h. KHN (50 g/15 s) and ΔE were then repeatedly assessed according to the immersion solutions. Data were analyzed (three-way ANOVA/Tukey's test). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) topographic analysis was also performed. RESULTS: In general, KHN of both composites reduced after 24 h, irrespective of the immersion solution and time. A significantly lower KHN was noted for Opallis compared with Filtek Z350XT in all parameters. An increase in ΔE over time was noted for both composites, irrespective of the immersion solution. Significantly higher ΔE was noted for Filtek Z350XT immersed in grape juice compared with Opallis, regardless of the evaluation time. The grape juice caused significantly higher DE compared with water in all periods. SEM analysis showed eroded areas for Filtek Z350XT but not for Opallis. CONCLUSIONS: The compositions and immersion solutions influence the composite hardness and the color stability. In spite of the higher hardness, the nanofilled composite is more susceptible to color change than the microhybrid when immersed in an acidic dyed solution.

The influence of curing tip distance and storage time in the kinetics of water diffusion (water sorption-W SP, solubility-W SB, and net water uptake) and color stability of a composite were evaluated. Composite samples were polymerized at different distances (5, 10, and 15 mm) and compared to a control group (0 mm). After desiccation, the specimens were stored in distilled water to evaluate the water diffusion over a 120-day period. Net water uptake was calculated (sum of WSP and WSB). The color stability after immersion in a grape juice was compared to distilled water. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 5%). The higher distances caused higher net water uptake (p < 0.05). The immersion in the juice caused significantly higher color change as a function of curing tip distance and the time (p < 0.05). The distance of photoactivation and storage time provide the color alteration and increased net water uptake of the resin composite tested.

The influence of curing tip distance and storage time on the hardness of a composite was evaluated. Composite samples (Filtek Z250) were polymerized at different distances (5, 10, and 15 mm), compared with a control group (0 mm), and stored in distilled water at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The Knoop-hardness of top and bottom surfaces was assessed (25 g/30 s). Specimens were stored in distilled water for 6 and 12 months and were retested. Hardness was found to be negatively influenced by both curing tip distance and storage time. Despite similar values at 24 hours, differences in hardness values compared with the control group appeared over time. In comparing both surfaces, hardness proved to be greater at the top surface for all groups. Composites with similar initial hardness values can degrade very differently after water storage. The higher the photoactivation distance and storage time, the worse the mechanical property.