Change of color and translucency by light curing in resin composites

Objective. This study evaluated color and translucency changes caused by light curing resin composite materials. Methods. The CIEELAB parameters (L*, a* and b*) of disks of A2 and opaque A2 shades of Charisma (Heraeus-Kulzer), Solare (GQ and Filtek Supreme (3M) were evaluated on the backings of black, white and the material itself both before and after light curing to evaluate color and translucency changes (by means of calculating Delta E* and the translucency parameter, respectively). Results. Solare and Filtek Supreme showed significantly smaller color changes during light curing than Charisma; however, the value of Delta E* of all the products/shades was still in the clinically unacceptable range. Regarding translucency changes during light curing, the A2 and opaque A2 shades of Charisma showed a statistically significant increase, although no difference was observed in the other products. Conclusions. Solare and Filtek Supreme tended to show less changes in translucency and color during light curing compared to Charisma. Nevertheless, the changes in color during light curing were still in the range of unacceptable color change. Therefore, direct shade matching of these materials for a precise shade match should be performed by using the cured material.