Differences in color, translucency and fluorescence between flowable and universal resin composites

To evaluate the optical properties such as color, translucency and fluorescence of flowable resin composites, and compare them with the corresponding shade universal resin composites of the same brand.

Four brands of flowable and universal resin composites of the same shade designation (A2) were investigated. Color of specimens (2mm in thickness) was measured after polymerization on a reflection spectrophotometer over background of white, black and each corresponding composite material itself. Color differences (DeltaE(ab)(*)) between each combination of resin composites were determined. Translucency parameter (TP) and color difference by the fluorescent emission (DeltaE(ab)(*)-FL) of materials were also calculated. Differences in the optical properties of flowable and universal resin composites were analyzed with one-way ANOVA.

DeltaE(ab)(*) between the flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites was in the range of 1.0-6.0 DeltaE(ab)(*) units, which was perceptible (DeltaE(ab)(*)>2.6) in three brands. Flowable resin composites revealed lower TP values in two of the four brands. DeltaE(ab)(*) between flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites was influenced by their difference in translucency. All the four universal resin composites and two flowable resin composites showed fluorescent peak, and the range of DeltaE(ab)(*)-FL was 0.3-2.3 DeltaE(ab)(*) units.

Optical properties of flowable and universal resin composites was significantly different (p<0.05); therefore, differences in color, translucency and fluorescence between the flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites should be considered for clinically acceptable color matching.