Fluorescence of Composite Resins: Clinical Considerations.

The article discusses the fluorescence of natural teeth and composite restorations. In the field of dentistry, it has been assumed that fluorescence is the absorption of energy in the nonvisible spectrum. Natural teeth show a strong blue fluorescence when exposed to black light. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of composite resin restoration is independent of their perceived color when seen under white light. This observation is clinically important because truly esthetic restorations should match the color of natural teeth in daylight as well as under different light sources.