The role of interface distance and underlying substrate on the color adjustment potential of single‐shade composites

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study assessed how the distance from the composite interface and the underlying chromatic substrate affect the color adjustment potential (CAP) of two single‐shade composites.Materials and MethodsCylinder‐shaped specimens were created using Vittra APS Unique (VU), Charisma Diamond One (DO), and a shaded (A3) composite. Some single‐shade specimens were surrounded by the A3 composite, forming dual specimens. Color measurements of simple specimens were taken against a gray background using a spectrophotometer. All specimens were positioned at a 45° angle in a viewing booth under illuminant D65, and images were captured with a DSLR camera against gray or A3 backgrounds. Image colors were measured using image processing software and converted to CIELAB coordinates. Color differences (ΔE00) between the single‐shade composites and the A3 composite were calculated. CAP was determined by comparing data from simple and dual specimens.ResultsNo clinically significant differences were observed between color measurements obtained from images and the spectrophotometer. CAP was higher for DO compared to VU and increased as the distance from the composite interface decreased and when specimens were positioned against an A3 background.ConclusionThe color adjustment potential increased with decreased distance from the composite interface and against a chromatic background.Clinical SignificanceAchieving satisfactory color match in restorations using single‐shade composites is crucial, and selecting an appropriate underlying substrate is essential. The color adjustment gradually decreases from the restoration margins towards its center.

Color matching and color recovery in large composite restorations using single-shade or universal composites

“…The ability of single-shade composites to replicate the natural tooth color of surrounding substrates depends on their enhanced translucency compared to multi-shaded composite systems. 14 , 18 This property allows these materials to be influenced significantly by the color of the underlying dental substrate, resulting in a "mirroring effect" on the final restoration color. 18 It would be logical to assume that using a single-shade composite to fill cavities in sound teeth would lead to restorations with a color like the original tooth color before the cavity preparation.…”

“…In contrast, single-shade composites aim to streamline restorative procedures by eliminating the color selection step (11-18). These materials exhibit improved color adjustment potential, enabling them to mimic the underlying and surrounding substrates 11 , 12 , 14 , 18 . Enhanced color adjustment is primarily attributed to the high translucency achieved after composite polymerization, resulting in a mirror effect of the underlying dental substrate.…”

“…Numerous studies have evaluated simplified composite systems using artificial substrates to measure color adjustment 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 . However, these studies have not considered the optical complexity of dental substrates.…”

“…Yet, in aesthetic areas, like with large direct composite restorations such as veneers, the restoration should match the colors of adjacent teeth, not just the surrounding enamel 13 , 17 . In such cases, the tooth color matching of single-shade composites relies on their ability to achieve a satisfactory color by mirroring the underlying dental substrate 18 . This ability to recover the unprepared teeth's color could determine the suitability of simplified composite systems for large restorations.…”

Color discrepancy of single-shade composites at different distances from the interface measured using cell phone images

“…Furthermore, this methodology doesn't permit the evaluation of how the distance from the interface with the outer composite impacts the color adjustment ability of single-shade composites. To address this limitation, proper color measurement in specimen images can be utilized [ 9 10 ]. Equipped with high-resolution sensors and advanced image processing capabilities, several smartphones enable the capture of high-quality images even in automatic mode.…”