Stain Resistance of Orthodontic Attachment Materials: A Comparative In Vitro Spectrophotometric Analysis
Date of Award
Summer 7-16-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
David Berzins
Second Advisor
James Kolstad
Third Advisor
William Lobb
Abstract
Introduction: Clear aligner therapy is valued for its esthetic appeal. Composite attachments enhance aligner biomechanics and enable more efficient tooth movement. Attachments are not polished, leaving them more prone to dietary staining. Material selection affects attachment esthetics, yet no published study has directly compared these three commonly used orthodontic attachment composites under standardized staining conditions. Methods: Disc-shaped samples (9 mm × 2 mm, n=10/material-exposure combination) were fabricated from Solventum Clarity Attachment Material, Shofu Beautifil Flow Plus, and Solventum Transbond XT and immersed in coffee, black tea, red wine, Diet Coke, and deionized water (control) at 37°C for two weeks (~14 months of clinical exposure). Color change (ΔE₀₀) was calculated using CIEDE2000 and compared against established acceptability thresholds analyzed with two-way ANOVA (material × exposure, α = 0.05). Results: Material, exposure, and their interaction all significantly affected color change (p< 0.001). Transbond XT stained barely noticeably across all exposures (1.14-1.25 ΔE₀₀). Clarity stained acceptably in water and Diet Coke (1.33-1.38 ΔE₀₀) but unacceptably in coffee, tea, and red wine (7.53-13.06 ΔE₀₀). Beautifil Flow Plus showed the poorest staining resistance across all exposures (2.76-18.14 ΔE₀₀), with red wine producing the most staining. Conclusions: Transbond XT demonstrated superior stain resistance suitable for all patients. Clarity and Beautifil Flow Plus are appropriate for patients restricting polyphenol-rich beverage consumption or accepting visible staining. Material selection should prioritize long-term color stability to maintain treatment esthetic expectations and patient compliance.