Evaluation of the Digital Shade Selection Methods on the Masking Ability of a Universal Composite Resin

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Ok E., Ozan G., Şar Sancaklı H.

Essentials of Dentistry, cilt.4, ss.1-7, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

• Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
• Cilt numarası: 4
• Basım Tarihi: 2025
• Doi Numarası: 10.5152/essentdent.2025.25001
• Dergi Adı: Essentials of Dentistry
• Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-7
• Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
• İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the masking ability of a universal resin

composite by comparing the color difference magnitude (ΔE) among 3 digital shade selection

methods.

Methods: To simulate discolored tooth structure, C4-colored composite (G-aenial A’CHORD,

GC) specimens measuring 8 × 2 mm and universal composite resin (3M Universal Restorative,

3M ESPE) specimens measuring 8 × 1 mm were prepared using Teflon molds. Shade selection

was performed using the following digital devices: a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V; VITA

Zahnfabrik), a digital camera (Canon 700D), and a smartphone equipped with a light correcting

device (Smile Lite MDP; Smile Line). The Commission on Illumination color definition system

(CIELab) values of the specimens were determined, and all digital photographs were analyzed

using software (Classic Color Meter; Apple Corp), encompassing parameters of the CIELab color

spectrum. After calculating the ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE values, statistical analyses were conducted at

a significance level of 5%.

Results: The results showed that the ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE values obtained from various shade

selection methods were statistically significant (P < .05). The ΔE values for the universal com-

posite resins measured with the Smile Lite MDP were the highest, while those measured with

the digital camera were the lowest. In terms of final colors, the highest L* parameter (Value) was

found in the Smile Lite MDP groups. However, there was no significant agreement among the

tested digital shade selection methods.

Conclusion: The L* values obtained with the digital camera were lower than those obtained with

the other tested methods, resulting in less brightness in the photographs taken. The smartphone

attached with a light correcting device demonstrated the highest masking ability. Therefore, it

may be considered for use in clinical settings for shade selection, given its practical and reliable

results.

Keywords: Color difference, digital camera, light correcting device, masking ability, spectrophotometer