Fluorescence intensity of composite resin for direct veneer removal using a fluorescence-aided identification technique

Objectives

This laboratory study evaluated the influence of the fluorescence intensity of composite resins on additional tooth wear and the presence of restorative material in different dental thirds during the retreatment of direct veneers.

Materials and Methods

The crown dimensions of 60 bovine incisors were reduced to 10 × 8 mm. The teeth were classified according to the fluorescence intensity of the composites: low (LOW) (TPH Spectra), medium (MED) (Opallis), and high (HIGH) (Essentia) groups. The teeth were divided according to the removal methods: conventional (CON) and fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT). The specimens were scanned (T0), received veneer preparation, and scanned again (T1). After restorations, the composites were removed and the teeth were scanned (T2). Measurement assessments between T1 and T2 were performed to determine additional wear, presence of residual areas, and the average between additional wear and the presence of residual areas. Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney, Friedman, 2-way ANOVA, and post-Tukey tests were performed (α < 0.05).

Results

The comparison of composite resins indicated a smaller area of additional wear and greater residue presence in the HIGH group than the LOW group for both techniques in the cervical third. Regarding removal methods, the FIT produced greater additional wear than the CON method for the LOW and MED groups in the middle and cervical thirds. The incisal third exhibited greater additional wear than the other thirds.

Conclusions

Composite resins with high fluorescence intensity removed using FIT had less tooth wear. The incisal third was the most affected area for direct veneer removal procedures.

Clinical Significance

A FIT has been proposed for composite resin removal; however, the different fluorescence intensities of composite resins can influence tooth wear caused during this procedure.