Analysis of the color matching of universal resin composites in anterior restorations.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate color matching of universal composite restorations performed in anterior teeth using two evaluation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty class III preparations were made on denture central incisors with different shades (A1-A3) and restored with multishade (Tetric Evoceram, Filtek Universal, and TPH Spectra Universal) and single-shade (Omnichroma) universal composites (n = 5). For photographic analysis, a digital photograph of each specimen was taken under standardized set-up. Color measurements were taken in the center of the restoration, and in the tooth surface 1.0 mm adjacent from the tooth/restoration margin. CIELab coordinates were recorded and color difference analysis (ΔE) was made using the CIEDE-2000 formula. For visual analysis, calibrated observers performed visual scoring of color matching and differences were graded as 0excellent match; 1very good match; 2not so good match; 3obvious mismatch; 4huge mismatch. All data were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed model analysis with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: For photographic analysis, Omnichroma showed the highest ΔE compared to the other composites for all shades (P < .05), without difference among experimental groups regarding tooth shade. For visual analysis, Omnichroma showed the highest scores (P < .05) for all teeth shades, without differences between the other groups. Furthermore, there were no differences between visual scores for different shades of a same resin composite group. CONCLUSIONS: Multishade universal composites presented higher color matching than the single shade universal composite. There were no differences of color matching for different tooth shades for all composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Universal composites with increased color matching may be helpful to simplify anterior restorations, minimizing clinical errors.