Maximizing Esthetic Results in Posterior Restorations Using Composite Opaquers

ABSTRACT After removal of caries or a faulty existing restoration in a posterior tooth, frequently the pulpal floor is a dark substrate. Composites are translucent by nature, and even the more opaque shades transmit nearly 60% of visible light, meaning that composites require a certain thickness to maintain their intended shade, especially if the underlying substrate is particularly dark. Depending on the intensity of the dark substrate, even relatively thick composite restorations may not be capable of disguising the discolored dentin underneath. The substrate absorbs a significant part of the light that would otherwise reflect toward the occlusal surface, and the restoration has a nonvital monochromatic grayish color. Opaquers and tints (color modifiers) may be extremely useful to overcome this situation. In this study, composite restorations were placed in extracted teeth to demonstrate that the final esthetic results rely upon the optical properties of the background as well as those of the composite material itself. Preparations with simulated dark pulpal floors were restored without the use of opaquers and tint modifiers. After tooth hydration, the final shade was recorded with photographs. The restoration was removed and a new restoration was placed, but this time with a technique involving opaquer and tints. This article compares and discusses the outcomes of these two procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This demonstration shows a simple technique that can help dentists obtain predictable esthetic results in their daily practice with posterior composite restorations.