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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Color in natural teeth and direct resin composite restorations: essential aspects
Luiz Narciso Baratieri1, Edson Araujo, Sylvio Monteiro
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. lbaratieri@hotmail.com
Abstract:
This article presents the essential aspects for understanding and reproducing the color of natural teeth with the use of direct resin composite. Fluorescence and opalescence are discussed, with special emphasis on counter-opalescence, which is primarily responsible for the appearance of an orange discoloration at the mamelon dentin tips and incisal edges of anterior teeth. The dynamics of color in natural teeth in relation to age is also discussed, focusing on the age-related changes that occur in enamel, dentin, and pulp. Further, it is demonstrated how to reproduce the esthetic features of natural teeth using latest-generation direct resin composites.
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