Direct Esthetic Restorations Based on Translucency and Opacity of Composite Resins
- 25 February 2011
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry
- Vol. 23 (2), 73-87
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1708-8240.2010.00392.x
Abstract
Light dynamics is a relevant phenomenon with respect to esthetic restorations, as incorrect analysis of the optical behavior of natural dentition may lead to potential clinical failures. The nature of incident light plays a major role in determining the amount of light transmission or reflection, and how an object is perceived depends on the nature of the light source. Natural teeth demonstrate translucency, opalescence, and fluorescence, all of which must be replicated by restorative materials in order to achieve clinical success. Translucency is the intermediary between complete opacity and complete transparency, making its analysis highly subjective. In nature, the translucency of dental enamel varies from tooth to tooth, and from individual to individual. Therefore, four important factors must be considered when appraising translucency. Presence or absence of color, thickness of the enamel, degree of translucency, and surface texture are essential components when determining translucency. State-of-the-art resin composites provide varying shades and opacities that deliver a more faithful reproduction of the chromaticity and translucency/opacity of enamel and dentin. This enables the attainment of individualized and customized composite restorations. The objective of this article is to provide a review of the phenomena of translucency and opacity in the natural dentition and composite resins, under the scope of optics, and to describe how to implement these concepts in the clinical setting. Choosing composite resins, based on optical properties alone, in order to mimic the properties of natural tooth structures, does not necessarily provide a satisfactory esthetic outcome. In many instances, failure ensues from incorrect analysis of the optical behaviors of the natural dentition as well as the improper use of restorative materials. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a technique that enables a restorative material to be utilized to its full potential to correctly replicate the natural teeth.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Measurement of the refractive index of human teeth by optical coherence tomographyJournal of Biomedical Optics, 2009
- Optimising aesthetics and facilitating clinical application of free-hand bonding using the 'natural layering concept'British Dental Journal, 2008
- Clinical Strategies for Success in Proximoincisal Composite Restorations. Part II: Composite Application TechniqueJournal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2005
- Tooth colour: a review of the literatureJournal of Dentistry, 2003
- Using opaquers under direct composite resin veneers: an illustrated review of the technique.Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2003
- Color and translucency of in vivo natural central incisorsThe Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2000