Differences in color, translucency and fluorescence between flowable and universal resin composites

ObjectivesTo evaluate the optical properties such as color, translucency and fluorescence of flowable resin composites, and compare them with the corresponding shade universal resin composites of the same brand.MethodsFour brands of flowable and universal resin composites of the same shade designation (A2) were investigated. Color of specimens (2 mm in thickness) was measured after polymerization on a reflection spectrophotometer over background of white, black and each corresponding composite material itself. Color differences (ΔEab*) between each combination of resin composites were determined. Translucency parameter (TP) and color difference by the fluorescent emission (ΔEab*-FL) of materials were also calculated. Differences in the optical properties of flowable and universal resin composites were analyzed with one-way ANOVA.ResultsΔEab* between the flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites was in the range of 1.0–6.0 ΔEab* units, which was perceptible (ΔEab*>2.6) in three brands. Flowable resin composites revealed lower TP values in two of the four brands. ΔEab* between flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites was influenced by their difference in translucency. All the four universal resin composites and two flowable resin composites showed fluorescent peak, and the range of ΔEab*-FL was 0.3–2.3 ΔEab* units.ConclusionsOptical properties of flowable and universal resin composites was significantly different (p < 0.05); therefore, differences in color, translucency and fluorescence between the flowable and the corresponding universal resin composites should be considered for clinically acceptable color matching.