Scattering properties of a composite resin: Influence on color perception.
BACKGROUND
The properties of the composite materials and the clinical expertise while layering them carry many esthetic implications in restorative dentistry.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to assess the influence of scattering properties of G-aenial A2 shade on color perception when used in esthetic restorations.


METHODS
TWO COMPOSITE RESINS WERE EVALUATED IN THIS STUDY: Gradia Direct (shade A3) and G-aenial (shade A2). A colorimetric evaluation according to the CIE L*a*b* system, relative to standard illuminant A against a white background, was performed to assess the referred chameleonic properties of G-aenial when used in simulated clinical situations.


METHODS
The differences in color change between the test group G-aenial and the test Group Gradia Direct were considered clinically not perceptible (ΔE* <3.3). Differently, the differences in color change were considered clinically perceptible (ΔE* >3.3) between the control group G-aenial and the control group Gradia Direct and between the test group G-aenial and the control specimens obtained with G-aenial. The CIE Lab parameters which brought to ΔE were investigated using t-test (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Color harmonization in simulated clinical conditions depends on different factors related to dentine and to composite resins. In this study dentine variables were dropped in order to analyze the influence of thickness and of the composition of the composite resin.
Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Section of Statistics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Riccardo
R
Beltrami
Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Marco
M
Colombo
Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Marco
M
Chiesa
Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Stefano
S
Bianchi
Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Claudio
C
Poggio
CIE Lab; color perception; composite resin; esthetic restorations; layering technique