Whether following a “natural” or “polychromatic” layering strategy, successful application of multi-layered composite resin depends on the careful combination of materials of different opacity and translucency. According to Fahl, these materials can be classified as body enamel, dentine, value enamel, opaquers and effect colours, depending on the role that the composite is to play in the restoration.
When discussing composite resin layering techniques, many opinion leaders speak about a certain composite resin being a “good” or “poor” choice for these different functions.
Unfortunately this opinion is usually gained by trial and error, presenting significant challenges to new users, and even to experienced users when new generations of product are released.
We are all familiar with the basic dimensions of colour, expressed as hue, value and chroma. Yet a perfect replication of these parameters is not enough to guarantee the aesthetic success of our restoration and produce a perfect shade match.
The measurement of Translucency Parameter (TP) is well-established in dental materials science and studies to date have made measurements of body enamel shades. No study has yet attempted to determine whether TP and other laboratory measurements can be used to predict aesthetic performance within multi-layered composite restorations, or at which thickness the material performs its intended task optimally.
The aim of this presentation is to thoroughly explore several composite resin products and relate the laboratory measurements to their aesthetic performance is a multi-layered restoration. We will also consider which laboratory measurements might be best to evaluate new materials in order to soften the adaptation period for new materials and new users.