Objectives: This work compares the important esthetic optical properties of opalescence and transmission haze for various commercially available composites utilized on the incisal edges of composite restorations. From reported literature values of human enamel, an opalescence value of 22.9±1.9 should match natural dentition. Furthermore, lower haze materials should have better transmission of light in the incisal edge.
Methods: Incisal, clear, or translucent shades of 7 different universal composite materials were cured into 30mm diameter by 1mm thick discs. Three replicate measurements of opalescence (Cab) and transmission haze were made using a Hunter Spectrophotometer. Charisma (Clear Opal), Empress Direct (Tran 20), Estelite Sigma Quick (Clear Enamel), Esthet-X HD (Clear Enamel), Filtek Supreme Ultra (Clear Translucent), Herculite Ultra (Light Incisal), and Tetric EvoCeram (Translucent) were evaluated.
Results:
Material | Shade | Opalescence (Cab) | Transmission Haze (%) |
Charisma | Clear Opal | 24.22±0.15 | 87.36±0.07 |
Empress Direct | Tran 20 | 10.50±0.06 | 91.62±0.32 |
Estelite Sigma Quick | Clear Enamel | 9.82±0.02 | 98.92±0.04 |
Esthet-X HD | Clear Enamel | 17.29±0.09 | 81.31±0.29 |
Filtek Supreme Ultra | Clear Translucent | 21.89±0.21 | 55.09±0.50 |
Herculite Ultra | Light Incisal | 19.31±0.39 | 93.14±0.07 |
Tetric EvoCeram | Translucent | 10.61±0.09 | 96.70±0.03 |
Conclusions: Through statistical analysis (ANOVA, pairwise t-test, p<0.05) of the responses, the Filtek Supreme Ultra and Charisma materials showed opalescence statistically not different from that previously reported for human enamel, whereas the other materials were statistically lower. Filtek Supreme Ultra had statistically lower haze than any of the other measured composites. Interesting micro- and nanoscale structural and optical properties of this nanocomposite may be the cause of such unique behavior.