Masking ability of resin composites: A scoping review

Objective To map the existing evidence regarding the masking ability of resin composites. Overview The literature search was conducted electronically, based on the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews-online protocol at with no language or time restrictions. Two independent reviewers conducted the screening, and a third reviewer was consulted in case of disagreement. Studies that evaluated resin composite masking ability regardless of background, application technique, thickness, or number of layers were selected. The search found 2995 potentially eligible studies. After removal of duplicates (657), irrelevant articles (2323), 15 citations met the eligibility criteria based on title and abstract, and eight studies were included based on full text analysis (seven in vitro, and one case report). Acceptable masking ability is obtained by one layer of opaque shade resin composite or by the layering technique. A black background is masked with 1.0- to 2.0 mm-thick layers of opaque shade resin composites. Masking of the C4 background is achieved with one layer of 0.5- to 1.5 mm-thick opaque shade resin composite or by the layering technique using different combinations of enamel body and dentin shades with a final thickness of 1.5 mm. Conclusions Acceptable masking of C4 shade background is achieved with one layer of opaque shade composite at least 0.5 mm-thick or by different combinations of the layering technique, with a final thickness of 1.5 mm. Acceptable masking of the black background of the oral cavity is achieved with a resin composite of at least 1.0 mm opaque shade. Clinical Significance The thickness of the resin composite layer required to achieve adequate masking is variable and depends on the translucency/opacity of the tested resin composites and the background shade.

Automated summary

This study aimed to summarize the existing evidence on the masking ability of resin composites. The study found that acceptable masking can be achieved with one layer of opaque shade resin composite or using the layering technique. For the black background, at least 1.0mm-thick opaque shade resin composite is needed to achieve acceptable masking. For the C4 background, acceptable masking can be achieved with one layer of 0.5-1.5mm-thick opaque shade resin composite or by using different combinations of enamel body and dentin shades with a final thickness of 1.5mm.