Fluorescence of Esthetic Resin Composites: Spectrophotometry and Photography Analysis Techniques

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluorescence of nine esthetic resin composite materials using two methods: spectrophotometry and photography analysis. Materials and Methods Three specimens were made for each shade of resin composite (61 shades from 9 resin composites), for a total of 183 specimens. To obtain a control group, the crowns of three sound human incisors were prepared to obtain both enamel and dentin specimens. Fluorescence was measured using two methods: (1) a Spectroshade Micro fluorescence spectrophotometer (MHT Optic Research, Niederhasli, Switzerland) and (2) a photograph analysis using Adobe Photoshop CC software (version 2019.0.0, Adobe Systems, Inc.). Statistical Analysis The results were statistically analyzed with an analysis of variance (α = 0.05) and with the Tukey-Kramer adjustment. The correlation between two techniques was analyzed by Pearson correlation test (α = 0.05). Results Fluorescence was highly influenced by the brand of the resin composite and less influenced by the shade (chroma), except for opaquer and incisal shades, and there was almost no difference in opacity, except for incisal shades. There was a weak (r = -0.105) and statistically not significant correlation (p = 0.145) between photography analysis and spectrophotometry techniques. Conclusion The fluorescence of esthetic resin composites is more dependent on the brand than on the shade or opacity.