The radiopacity of single-shade composite resins: A comparative evaluation.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of single-shade composite resins with group and multi-shade composite resins via a digital image analysis. Disc-shaped (5 mm in diameter, 2 mm in thickness) specimens were prepared with one multi-shade (Estelite Sigma Quick-ESQ), four single-shade (Omnichroma-OC, Charisma Topaz One-CTO, Vitra Unique-VU, and ZenChroma-ZC), three group-shade (G-aenial Achord-GA, Optishade-OS, and Estelite Asteria-EA), and one posterior composite resin (Estelite Posterior-EP) (n = 3). A radiographic image of all the specimens, an aluminum step-wedge, and a 2 mm thick tooth section were taken. Mean gray values (MGV) of the specimens, enamel, and dentin were calculated by ImageJ software. Composition analysis was performed with EDS, and SEM images (×10,000) were obtained. The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Post hoc adjusted Bonferroni analysis (p = 0.05). The mean MGV of CTO, the highest of all test groups, was significantly higher than OC and dentin (p = 0.04 and p = 0.009, relatively). The lowest mean MGV was also observed in a single-shade group, OC. EDS analysis showed that the tested materials comprised various radiopaque elements. All of the single-shade and group-shade groups exceeded the MGV value of dentin, which is clinically expected from any restorative material. The radiopacity properties of various single-shade composite resins which as a category is a rising trend in esthetic dentistry were investigated. It is important for clinicians to be aware of novel materials' physical qualities including radiopacity, a daily clinical criteria for restorative materials.