Evaluation of the color adjustment potential of single-shade universal composites in 3D-printed teeth under different ambient light sources: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the color adjustment potential (CAP) of single-shade composites in three-dimensional (3D)-printed teeth with a Black’s Class IV cavity design under different ambient lighting conditions.

METHODS

Three different single-shade composites—GC Essentia Universal (GC), Omnichroma (OMNI), and Zenchroma (ZEN)—were tested. Both dual and single specimens were prepared. Dual specimens were prepared by restoring 3D-printed teeth with built-in Class IV cavities using resin composites. Single specimens were prepared by making resin composite replicas from intact tooth specimens (n = 10). The 3D-printed teeth served as the control group for intact teeth. Color measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer for 24 h, 1 week, and 1 month. The CAP-I values were calculated. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the groups.

RESULTS

The CAP of the resin composites varied depending on the type of ambient light (p < 0.001). At 3000 K, GC exhibited a statistically significantly higher CAP value than OMNI (p = 0.001). At 6500 K, OMNI exhibited a statistically considerably lower CAP value than GC and ZEN (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CAP of single-shade composites may be influenced by ambient lighting conditions. In restorations with extensive tissue loss, such as Black’s Class IV cavity designs, considering the effects of resin composite selection and ambient light can help improve aesthetic outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluating aesthetic harmony under different ambient lighting conditions during the application of single-shade composite restorations in anterior restorations may help clinicians achieve more predictable aesthetic outcomes.