Effect of Carbonated and Energy Beverages on the Surface Roughness of Nanohybrid Composite Resins

In Vitro Study

Abstract

Nanohybrid composite resins are widely used in restorative dentistry due to their aesthetic and mechanical properties; however, their clinical performance may be affected by frequent exposure to acidic beverages. Objective: To evaluate the effect of carbonated and energy drinks on the surface roughness of two nanohybrid composite resins through an in vitro experimental study. Materials and methods: Specimens of Neofil Nanohybrid Composite and Tetric N-Ceram (shade A2) were prepared and distributed according to the immersion medium: Coca-Cola®, Guitig® mineral water, V220® energy drink, and distilled water as the control group. The specimens were subjected to controlled immersion cycles for 7, 14, and 21 days under standardized conditions. Surface roughness (Ra) was assessed using a contact profilometer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Linear Mixed Model (LMM), after assessing normality with the Shapiro-Wilk test and applying a natural logarithmic transformation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Variations in surface roughness values were descriptively observed according to resin type, immersion medium, and experimental time. The Linear Mixed Model showed that the factors evaluated independently did not present statistically significant differences; however, significant interactions were identified between Tetric N-Ceram and Coca-Cola®, Guitig®, and V220®. Conclusions: The surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resins was mainly influenced by the interaction between the restorative material and the immersion medium. These findings suggest that surface alterations are not explained exclusively by the initial pH of the beverages, but also by the specific response of each resin to the evaluated exposure medium.