Translucency characteristics of permanent maxillary central incisor in Indian population: An analytical cross-sectional study

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2023 Nov-Dec;26(6):651-656. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_44_23. Epub 2023 Nov 22.

Abstract

Background: Understanding the optical characteristics, especially the translucency patterns (TPs) in teeth can assist clinicians in creating biomimetic restorations.

Aim: This study assessed the differences in enamel TPs and the area of translucency (AOT) in the most dominant teeth of an individual's smile according to their age and gender.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 consented individuals. Based on the age, there were four groups with 35 subjects in each. The digital imaging method is used to classify and differentiate different TPs. The AOT was measured with the assistance of ImageJ 1.51j8 software.

Statistical analysis used: One-way ANOVA with a post hoc test was used to test the statistical significance difference among the various age groups, and an independent t-test was used to test the variations between genders.

Results: The outcome of this study showed that the AOT was the highest for the 50 and above age group as compared to other age groups (P = 0.003). Although there were variations in the TPs between the two genders, the AOT showed no significant difference.

Conclusion: The area of incisal third translucency in the upper central incisors varied between different age groups. However, gender had no influence in the area of incisal translucency. Wide variations in the TPs were seen based on age and gender.

Keywords: Age; enamel; esthetics; gender; translucency.