Color Matching of Single-Shade Composite Resin by Various Pulp Capping Materials in Anterior Teeth

This study aimed to compare color matching between single-shade composite resin-restored teeth with various pulp capping materials and the dentin surrounding the restoration through instrumental analysis and visual evaluation of the color difference. Fifty maxillary right central incisor acrylic resin teeth were prepared with standardized Class III cavities on the proximal surfaces. These teeth were divided into five groups: restored with single-shade composite resin only; Ultra-Blend™ plus followed by single-shade composite resin; TheraCal PT™ followed by single-shade composite resin; Endocem^® MTA premixed followed by single-shade composite resin; and Well-root PT™ followed by single-shade composite resin. The color difference (ΔE_ab^*) between the restored area and the center of the resin teeth was measured using a spectrophotometer. No significant color difference was observed in groups restored with only single-shade composite resin, Ultra-Blend™ plus, and TheraCal PT™. The visual evaluation revealed that Ultra-Blend™ plus exhibited the best color matching score, whereas the Endocem® MTA premixed and Well-root PT™ groups showed significantly lower color matching scores than the single-shade composite resin-only group. When opting for single-shade composite resin usage for anterior tooth restorations with the aim of reducing chair time, pulp capping materials UltraBlend™ plus and TheraCal PT™ provide esthetically pleasing results.