Shade distribution of commercial resin composites and color difference with shade guide tabs.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the shade distribution of varied shades of contemporary resin composites, and to measure the color difference (deltaE*ab) between individual shades of resin composites and the nearest shade tabs, which showed the smallest color difference with each shade of resin composite, in the VITA shade guide. METHODS: Eight light-curing resin composites, with a total of 41 shades, were studied. Color of specimens was measured on a reflection spectrophotometer over a white background. Ranges and distributions of CIE L*, C*ab, a* and b* values of each brand of resin composites were determined. Color difference between each shade of resin composites and each shade of the shade guide tabs were calculated, and the nearest shade guide tab was selected. RESULTS: The range of CIE L* value for eight brands of resin composites was 3.2-9.0, that of C*ab was 2.5-11.6, that of CIE a* value was 1.1-5.8, and that of CIE b* value was 5.9-11.5. Color differences (deltaE*ab) between each shade of resin composites and the nearest shade tab of the shade guide was 0.9-12.8.