Color, lightness, chroma, hue, and translucency adjustment potential of resin composites using CIEDE2000 color difference formula

Objective To evaluate color, lightness, chroma, hue, and translucency adjustment potential of resin composites using CIEDE2000 color difference formula. Methods Three resin composites (Filtek Universal, Harmonize, and Omnichroma) were tested. Two types of specimens were prepared: an outer base shade with an inner hole filled with test shades and single-composite specimens of all shades. Spectrorradiometric reflectances measurements and subsequent CIELAB color coordinates and translucency parameter (TP) were performed. Color (CAP(00)), lightness, chroma, hue, and translucency (TAP(00)) adjustment potential using CIEDE2000 color difference were computed. Color and transparency differences among composite materials and shades were statistically tested (P < 0.05). Results Positive CAP(00) and TAP(00) values were found for majority of tested materials. CAP(00) values ranged from -0.14 to 0.89, with the highest values found for Omnichroma (>0.75 in all cases). TAP(00) values ranged from -0.06 to 0.86 with significant translucency differences among dual and single specimens. Omnichroma exhibited the highest adjustment potential for all color dimensions studied. Conclusions Lightness, hue, chroma, and translucency adjustment potential have been introduced using CIEDE2000 color difference formula, and have shown their usefulness to evaluate blending effect in dentistry. Color coordinates and translucency adjustment potential were dependent on dental material. Omnichroma exhibited the most pronounced blending effect. Clinical significance Resin composites with increased color and translucency adjustment may simplify shade selection, making this process easier and less time consuming. Furthermore, these materials might facilitate challenging and complex color matching situations.