Calculation of colour resulting from composite/compomer layering techniques

This study determined the influence of optical properties of constituent layers on the colour of double-layer aesthetic filling materials. Multiple regression equations for the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) L*, a* and b* of layered materials were calculated from the optical values of the covering and underlying layers. Specimens (10 mm diameter, 1 mm thickness) of two light-cured resin composites and one compomer of seven to 11 shades were used. CIE L*, a* and b* values of each specimen were measured with a colour spectrophotometer backed by a standard white background. The scattering coefficient (S), absorption coefficient (K), contrast ratio (C) and translucency parameter (T) were calculated. Double-layered specimens were formed in optical contact by joining two different shades from the same material, or resin composite as covering with a compomer underlying layer. Each of the L*, a* and b* of layered material was used as a dependent variable, and 14 optical values of underlying and covering layers were used as independent variables in forward regression analysis (P = 0.01). CIE L* after layering had a positive correlation with S of covering layer (correlation coefficient; beta = 0.79-0.91, P < 0.01) and a correlation with L* of underlying layer (beta = 0.14-0.16). CIE a* after layering had a correlation with a* of covering layer (beta = 0.83-0.94) and a correlation with a* of underlying layer (beta = 0.30-0.56). CIE b* after layering had a correlation with b* of covering layer (beta = 0.77-0.90) and a correlation with T of covering layer (beta = 0.40-0.59). The layered colour of these materials can be predicted by the derived regression equations within the limitations of this study. CIE L*, a* and b* values of double-layer material are mainly influenced by S, CIE a* and b* of covering layer, respectively.