ABSTRACT
Color matching has an important role in esthetic dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate composite color changes after polymerization. In this experimental study, sixty cylinders of six different composite [Z100, Tetric-ceram. Point 4, Charisma, Glacier, Clearfil ST] were prepared with 3mm diameter and 2mm thickness [10 each]. A frissete was placed under cylinders, composite resin was packed in each cylinder and other frissete was located on the cylinder. Digital camera was fixed at a distance of 3 cm from specimens with 45 degree angle. Photographs were taken before and after polymerization with a professional digital camera in standard daylight. Data were recorded in CIE Lab system. Color shifts were calculated as delta E. The "L" value increased in "Clearfill ST" composite resin and decreased in other composites after polymerization. The "a" value increased in "Clearfill ST" composite resin and decreased in other composites after polymerization. The "b" value increased in "Z100 and Glacier" composite resin and decreased in other composites after polymerization. All composites showed color changes [delta E<3.3]. The highest color change was measured in Z100 [delta E10.75] and the least in Tetric-ceram [delta E=3.79]