Shade matching and blending capabilities of a new single-shade composite: an in vivo study.

Demand for direct esthetic restorations is high, but shade matching can be challenging. Some manufacturers claim that a single product is able to match all colors of the human dentition, eliminating shade matching challenges. This in vivo study, which followed the International Commission on Illumination's (CIE) CIEDE2000 color difference standard (ΔE), aimed to quantify the shade matching and blending capabilities of a single-shade composite (Omnichroma PLT) used as a direct veneer. A color difference of ΔE ≤ 1.8 was set as the acceptability threshold. Ten participants with an unrestored and noncarious maxillary left central incisor were enrolled in the study. Direct spectrophotometric measurements (CIE L*a*b*) were made on the tooth and then on composite cured on the tooth. Consistency in measurements and composite resin placement were attained through the use of a specially designed jig. A digital photograph was then taken with the composite in place, and colorimetric software was used to obtain the L*a*b* values at the most incisal and cervical edges of the restoration. These values were compared to those of the natural tooth structure immediately adjacent to the composite resin. The ΔE scores were calculated to determine the composite's ability to match the tooth shade beneath it (ΔE) and to blend with the incisal (ΔE) and cervical (ΔE) tooth shades. Mean scores for ΔE, ΔE, and ΔE were calculated, and an independent t test (α = 0.05) was used to compare means for ΔE and ΔE. The mean (SD) ΔE values were 6.16 (2.38), 3.90 (2.47), and 6.84 (1.80) for ΔE, ΔE, and ΔE, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.008) was observed between ΔE and ΔE. As a direct veneer, the tested composite did not meet the acceptability threshold for any ΔE measurement; however, it was better at matching the incisal third of the tooth than it was the other thirds. More in vivo studies are needed to verify and expand on these results.