Optical characteristics of resin composite before and after polymerization

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the optical characteristics such as color and translucency changes before and after light curing, to quantify the CQ and to measure refractive indices of body and opaque shade of resin composites materials. Materials and Methods Resin composites used in this study were A2 body and A2 opaque shade of Esthet-X, Filtek supreme, Gradia Direct, Clearfil Majesty and Beautifil II Color and translucency changes before and after light curing were evaluated by colorimeter, the CQ was quantified by GC-MS and refractive index changes were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometer. Results Translucency parameter (TP) was significantly increased after curing. The CQ content of body shades are higher than that of opaque shades in all resin composites. Refractive index increased after polymerization in all materials and significant difference in Δrefractive index was found between body and opaque shade (significance level 0.05). Conclusions For an accurate shade match, direct shade matching of resin composite should be performed by using the cured material.