Study Shows Translucent Cement Can Improve Dental Aesthetics

Researchers have found that using a more translucent dental cement can result in smaller color interference on interim restorations, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Interim restorations are used to maintain the function and aesthetics of a patient’s teeth while a final restoration is being created. Aesthetic interim restorations are particularly important in cases where the patient’s front teeth are involved, as they can have a significant impact on the patient’s self-esteem.

Use of Translucent Cement vs Conventional Materials

Opaque cements can have an aesthetically unfavorable effect on interim restorations. In response, translucent materials were developed. The new study aimed to evaluate the color interference of a highly translucent cement compared to conventional materials.

The researchers prepared Bis-acryl composite disks in various shades and thicknesses to simulate interim restorations. They then cemented the disks with either a highly translucent cement, two conventional cements, or a transparent liquid. The difference in color between the specimens cemented with the transparent liquid and those cemented with each cement was calculated.

The study found that the highly translucent cement tended to have less color interference than the conventional materials. The thickness and shade of the resin only affected the results for the opaque cements, with thinner specimens and lighter shades producing higher color interference. Therefore, the use of a more translucent cement can result in a smaller color interference on the aesthetic outcome of interim restorations.

Improving Aesthetic Outcomes

This study highlights the importance of considering the optical properties of dental materials when choosing materials for interim restorations. Dental professionals can use the findings of this study to improve the aesthetic outcomes of their patients’ interim restorations.

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