Translucency and color match with a shade guide of esthetic brackets with the aid of a spectroradiometer

Abstract

Objective: Since the color of esthetic brackets should match that of teeth, the aims of this study were to determine the color and translucency of esthetic brackets by means of the clinically relevant use of a spectroradiometer, and to compare the color of brackets with that of a commercial shade guide. Methods: The color of central and tie-wing regions of four plastic and four ceramic brackets was measured according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale over white and black backgrounds. Brackets were classified into five groups based on their composition. The color of Vitapan Classical Shade Guide tabs was also measured. Translucency parameter (TP) and contrast ratio (CR) were calculated to determine translucency. Results: Color differences between brackets and the shade guide tabs were 10.4 - 34.5 ∆E*ab units. TP and CR values for the central region were 16.4 - 27.7 and 0.38 - 0.58, whereas for the tie-wings they were 24.0 - 39.9 and 0.25 - 0.45, respectively. The color coordinates, TP and CR values were significantly influenced by bracket composition and brand (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Esthetic brackets investigated herein showed unacceptable color differences (∆E*ab > 5.5) compared with the shade guide tabs. Differences in the translucency of brackets by brand were within the visually perceptible range (∆CR > 0.07). Therefore, brackets showing the best matching performance for each case should be selected considering esthetic and functional demands.

Evaluation of Orthodontic Adhesive Color Reflection Degrees of Transparent and Translucent Ceramic Brackets

“…In a previous study it was found that translucency was significantly influenced by the brackets' physical properties like composition, and thickness. 25 Therefore, in the present study, ∆E values calculated for the first and second measurements for combination of same adhesive and different ceramic brackets were not compared.…”

“…These findings were parallel to the results of previously performed researches. 25,26 This could be due to the different structure of these brackets. 6 Inspire Ice brackets are crystal clear, completely transparent monocrystalline brackets which means when light encounters this bracket material, almost all of it passes directly through them while Clarity Ceramic brackets are translucent polycrystalline brackets which means they are slightly opaque and allow only some light to travel through them.…”

Zirconia as A Core Material - A Literature Review

“…The most important components of esthetic tooth appearance are: color, fluorescence, opalescence and translucency (Lee and Bin, 2016). Zirconia is an opaque ceramic, which limits its use (Jang et al, 2011).…”

Can the chlorhexidine gluconate solution potentiate the staining of polycrystalline ceramic brackets?

“…Over the last years, patients seeking orthodontic treatment have not only been demanding an effective occlusal result, but also looking for the satisfaction of a harmonious appearance, aiming to resemble the color of tooth enamel 1,2 . The use of esthetic devices is mainly indicated for adult patients who wish to maintain a natural aspect to their smile and correct its positioning at the same time 3 .…”