COLOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPOSITES OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL BRANDS

Abstract

This study assessed the color of two universal composites produced by different manufacturers. Ninety-six specimens of Filtek Z350XT (3M ESPE) and IPS Empress Direct (Ivoclar Vivadent) (n=48 each) colored A2E were made with 5 mm of diameter X 6 mm of height. Each 2 mm-thick composite layer inserted was light cured with a LED light curing unit with 900 mW/cm² for 20 seconds. The specimens were polished with Sof-lex Pop-On (3M ESPE). The color was measured with a portable digital spectrophotometer Easyshade (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen) based on the tridimensional axes of the CIEL*a*b* system, and the difference between composites was determined in each axis by determining the respective ∆s (∆L*, ∆a* e ∆b*), along with the parameter for total color variation ∆E*. The color difference between composite in each axis was analyzed statistically using the t-test (α=0,05), besides considering the 50%:50% thresholds for visual perceptibility and acceptability of total color variation. Statistically significant differences were observed in ∆L* and ∆b* (p<0.001). The ∆E* value was 6.0 ± 0.7, and was three times higher than the perceptibility threshold and twice higher than the acceptability threshold for total color variation. Relevant color differences may occur in composites of the same color, yet, made by different manufacturers. These differences may be visually perceptible and higher than acceptance limits, and may compromise the esthetic result of dental restorations.