Color stability of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement

The color stability of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC) was investigated over six months using colorimetry. Five shades (A2, A3, A4, B3 and C4) were selected and 10 square specimens (7 mm wide and long, and 1.5 mm deep) were made for each shade using special grit molds. CIE L*, a*, b* color parameters of the specimens were taken at one day, one week, one month, three months and six months. Results were subjected to MANOVA and ANOVA/Scheffe's test at significance level 0.05. The effects of time on color parameters (L*, a*, b* values) were found to be shade dependent. All shades exhibited a decrease in L* values over time. With the exception of shade B3, significant differences in L* values were observed at six months. A general decrease in b* values was also observed but differences among the various time intervals were not significant except for shades A3 and C4. No apparent trends were observed for changes in a* values. For all shades, the largest color change (delta E) was observed between one day and one week. The color stability of the resin-modified glass ionomer investigated was shade dependent. A general decrease in lightness and yellow chroma was observed.

Color perception among different dental personnel

This study investigated the differences in color perception among distinct groups of dental personnel. Four groups of dental personnel (10 dental technicians, 15 final-year dental students, 15 general practitioners and 10 prosthodontists) were asked to match seven test tabs of shades A1, A4, B2, B3, C2, C4 and D3 (Z100 shade guide, 3M Dental Products, St Paul, MN 55144, USA) against a standard Vita shade guide under similar lighting conditions. The results obtained were computed into L*a*b* values using a small-area colorimeter (Dental Colorimeter, Minolta Camera Pte Ltd). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA/post-hoc Scheffe's test at significant level p<0.05. The results showed significant differences in deltaE (color difference) between the dental technicians and the clinicians for shade C4. The significant difference that was observed in deltaE for dark shades between dental personnel was mainly contributed to a disparity in L* values. A significant difference in deltaL* was observed between dental technicians and prosthodontists for shade C4.

The need for DSA certification: the dental surgeons' perspective

This study investigated the perceptions of dental surgeons on training and performance of Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs). A questionnaire survey was sent to all practising dental surgeons in Singapore. It was found that 8.2% of respondents felt that the current standard of DSAs was good while 80.5% felt that the current standard was either adequate or poor. 71.5% felt that there was a need for DSA certification and 76.5% reported that they would send their DSAs for certification training. The results suggest an underlying need for formal training towards DSA certification.

Human-eye versus computerized color matching

This project compared the difference in color matching between human-eye assessment and computerized colorimetry. Fifty dental personnel were asked to color match Vita Lumin shade tabs to seven different randomly arranged test tabs from the Z100 shade guide. All evaluators were blinded to the shades of the test tabs and were asked to match only body shade of the Vita Lumin tab to the middle third or body of each test tab. The results obtained were subsequently computed into L*a*b* values and compared with results obtained by computerized colorimetry. Results indicate that the difference in color matching between human-eye assessment and computerized colorimetry is shade dependent. Discrepancy was significant for b* coordinates for shades A1 and B2 and L* and b* coordinates for shade C4. For all shades evaluated, color difference between human-eye and computerized color matching is perceivable under clinical settings, as delta E values are greater than 3. There is a need for correction factors in the formal specification of the color-matching software due to the discrepancy between human-eye and computerized colorimetric color matching.

Polymerization color changes of esthetic restoratives

The color changes of three different types of tooth-colored restoratives during polymerization were investigated using colorimetry. L*, a*, b* color parameters of five different shades of Z100 (a mini-filled composite resin), Fuji II LC (a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement), and Dyract (a polyacid-modified composite resin) were taken precure and postcure. The results showed that the restoratives evaluated all underwent color changes during polymerization. The polymerization changes in color parameters were shade and not material dependent. Changes in L* parameter or lightness during polymerization were significant for all material and shade combinations and had the greatest influence on the overall polymerization color change. As the color change was perceivable by the human eye for most shades of materials, the clinical practice of polymerizing some material on, or adjacent to, the undried tooth to confirm shades of esthetic restoratives before restorative procedures is prudent.