Restorative CAD/CAM materials in dentistry: analysis of their fluorescence properties and the applicability of the fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT).

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the fluorescence properties of the most commonly used fluorescent CAD/CAM materials for monolithic dental restorations and their suitability to perform the fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 175 different color shades (n = 1) from 13 CAD/CAM material brands were analyzed with a monochromator-based microplate reader. Additionally, dentin, enamel, and combined dentin-enamel specimens (respectively, n = 11) were analyzed for comparison purposes. The maximum fluorescence intensity, the corresponding excitation and emission wavelength, and the total fluorescence for the wavelength spectrum λ = 395 nm - 415 nm used for FIT were determined.

RESULTS

All assessed CAD/CAM ceramics showed virtually no total fluorescence for the wavelength spectrum λ = 395 nm - 415 nm used for FIT. CERASMART, KZR-CAD HD 2, and LuxaCam Composite displayed total fluorescence values similar to that of the tooth hard substances. All other resin-based CAD/CAM materials showed a significantly higher total fluorescence than the tooth hard substances.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from the mentioned exceptions, all CAD/CAM materials assessed could be suitable for the FIT, either because they are more fluorescent than hard tooth substances or because they do not fluoresce at all at the respective wavelength of λ = 395 nm - 415 nm.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides insight into the not yet well-known fluorescent properties of dental CAD/CAM materials. This knowledge is not only necessary to reproduce the fluorescence properties of natural teeth but also for the applicability of diagnostic fluorescence inducing techniques.