How Does Universal Shading Work?

The challenge of matching composite restoration to surrounding tooth structure can lead to the stocking of an excessive number of shades varieties, many of which end up expiring and going to waste. To prevent wastage and simplify the shade matching process, many practices are turning to universal shade composites and other multi-shade systems. Universal composites are now some of our most popular restoratives and are fast becoming a must-have for dentists.

What Are The Benefits Of Universal Composites?

Whether you want a condensed number of shades or the one single shade for a truly universal solution, switching to a universal composite system can offer the following:

• Minimises the number of shades needed in practice
• Wide colour-matching ability takes guesswork out of shade selection
• Reduce costs
• Less time re-ordering multiple products
• Less chance of composites expiring and going to waste
• Eliminating shade matching step can reduce chair time
• Avoids the possible frustration of a colour shift after composite has cured
• Suitable for most clinical scenarios

Universal shade composites are resin composites used to restore multiple shades of tooth structure using a single shade. The technology used in universal composites varies from product to product, but most incorporate silica particle into a resin matrix that allows the material to reflect the colour of the adjacent tooth structure and blend to the surrounding teeth. This is often referred to as the chameleon-effect. Products marketed as 'universal composites' tend to have a condensed system of between 3-8 shades that cover the 16 VITA classical shades.

Other products, such as Venus Pearl One, offer a single shade system designed to match every shade from A1 to D4 and be used for most anterior and posterior direct restorations.