Precision layering techniques: Integrating digital tools for accurate color matching and realistic try-ins in anterior composite restorations.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to demonstrate the clinical application of a comprehensive workflow that integrates digital tools for accurate color matching, and its immediate implementation in the restoration of anterior teeth. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Two patients demonstrating dissatisfaction regarding a maxillary central incisor had an old restoration replaced resorting to a digital workflow to enhance the predictability of the new direct restoration. OptiShade allowed the precise assessment of tooth color and the CompoShade application provided precise color and material selection, as well as the determination of a layering strategy. Precision and accuracy of the colorimeter and the composite layering application were demonstrated clinically in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a digital workflow with the integration of OptiShade measurements and the CompoShade layering recipe calculation, as well as the respective realistic try-in, enables the achievement of precise color matching for anterior composite restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The employment of a digital colorimeter and layering recipes simplify shade matching, and optimizes composite resin clinical use and success. The implementation of a realistic try-in, previous to the definitive restoration, allows the clinician to perform any adjustments if needed.

On color adjustment potential and color blending threshold of dental composite resins.

OBJECTIVE: Color Adjustment Potential evaluates the color blending of dental Composite Resins. While Color Adjustment Potential is simple, its clinical relevance is unclear. This research aims to understand it better and to create an index for Composite Resins with meaningful clinical interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single and double shade composite disks of various diameters and opacities were created to test the indices. Color measurements used a dental colorimeter, avoiding subjective assessments. Color Adjustment Potential analysis of each material revealed insights, leading to the creation of a new Color Blending Threshold, providing a clinically relevant numerical value for Composite Resins. RESULTS: Color Adjustment Potential's numerical significance was clarified and introduced a new index for clinical applications. Color adaptation of each test shade to all Vita shades was also calculated, useful for single-shade restorations in open and closed cavity types. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed Color Blending Threshold defines the open/closed cavity dimension that can be adequately restored with a single shade of resin composite. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding how dental materials adapt to surrounding tooth colors enhances esthetic restorations, simplifies shade matching, and optimizes resin composite production. The proposed Color Blending Threshold is a parameter that directly relates to the clinical significance of a material's true color blending ability. It defines the cavity dimension that can be adequately restored with a single shade of resin composite while ensuring that the resulting color difference falls below a predetermined threshold, meeting the clinical requirements for an esthetic restoration.