Influence of optical properties of esthetic brackets (color, translucence, and fluorescence) on visual perception

Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate the optical properties of esthetic brackets and determine their influence on visual perception. Methods: Eighty esthetic brackets of 16 commercial brands were tested. The color and translucency of the brackets, as well as the color of the maxillary central incisors of 40 subjects, were measured with a spectrophotometer. The fluorescence of the brackets was determined by duly calibrated appraisers. The color differences between the brands of brackets and the teeth were calculated. Data were analyzed by using 1-way analysis of variance; the Scheffe multiple comparison test was used to establish the difference between brands of brackets, (alpha = 0.05). Results: The color parameters L * a * b * of nontranslucent brackets ranged from 49.4 to 86.0, -1.6 to 3.0, and 1.9 to 14.6, respectively. The direct transmission of light ranged from 0.0% to 38.8% transmittance. No bracket showed fluorescence. The color and translucency, as well as the color difference, of the brackets were influenced by brand (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The optical properties of esthetic brackets have a direct influence on visual perception; translucent brackets and the nontranslucent InVu (TP Orthodontics, LaPorte, Ind) brackets were less visually perceptible. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;141:460-7)