In vitro comparison of translucency between two reinforced composite; Gradia and Bell glass

Considering the ever-increasing importance of dental materials’ esthetics, color, and translucency in cosmetic dentistry, the purpose of this study was to compare the translucency of two reinforced composite resins of BelleGlass and Gradia.

In this in vitro study three disc specimens, 27 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm in thickness, were fabricated from each material under study. Translucent dentin C2 shades of BelleGlass and Gradia were used. The specimens were produced based on manufacturers’ instructions. Translucencies of BelleGlass and Gradia composite resins were compared using contrast ratio method. A spectrophotometer was used for sending reflected light rays. Data was analyzed by t-test using SPSS software (α = 0.05).

Mean contrast ratios of BelleGlass and Gradia composite resins were 0.89 ± 0.02 and 0.89 ± 0.01, respectively (p value = 0.009).

The results of the present study showed that BelleGlass is more translucent than Gradia. Therefore, in patients with natural tooth translucency, BelleGlass is preferable. In patients who use composite resin restorations to camouflage their tooth discolorations Gradia is preferable.