Study on Optical Properties of Human Tooth and Restorative Materials

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In this study, we examined the light transmittance characteristics, include wavelength distribution and diffusion characteristics, for human enamel, dentin and restorative materials such as composite resins, crown and bridge resins, and paint-on resins for shade modification, and evaluated the effect of light transmittance characteristic on color appearance of the materials.The values of overall transmission coefficient of enamel ranged from 0.37 to 0.43 in overall wavelength (400-700 nm). The values were higher than those of composite restorative resins, and almost equal to those of crown and bridge resins, and paint-on resins for shade modification. The crown and bridge resins, and paint-on resins also showed similar light transmittance distribution spectra and diffusion characteristics to enamel. It is desirable for the materials to match color appearance between natural tooth and materials. The results indicate that the light transmittance characteristics play an important role for the color of restorative resins. The significant difference in light transmittance characteristic among materials and shades will affect their clinical appearance.