The purpose of this study was to assess the background color-interceptive ability and opacity of opaque shade composites (Universal composite, Filtek Z350, Charisma, Clearfil ST, Palpaque Estelite, Esthet-X, and Metafil Flo).

Twenty four background specimens (diameter 5.5 mm, thickness 3.0 mm) with Root dentin Mustard (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, USA) were made. The CIE L^*a^*b^* value of background specimens was measured by a spectrophotometer (Spectrolino, GretagMacbeth, Regensdorf, Switzerland). Three specimens in every group were filled on the background specimens. The surface color of samples was measured by a spectrophotometer in 3.0 mm and every thickness to 0.5 mm while grinding. The color difference in the background color along with 3.0 mm specimen gauged the masking effect in each thickness while grinding and polishing. The opacity was calculated in 1 mm thick specimens.

The opacity was in the decreasing order of Clearfil ST, Metafil Flo, Filtek Z350, Palpaque Estelite, Universal composite, Charisma, and Esthet-X (p < 0.05). As the thickness get reduced, L^* value showed decreasing, a^* increasing tendency. The surface color difference between pair of the 3.0 mm thick specimen and after grinding in same opaque resin was above 3.3 except Clearfil ST and Metafil Flo. The color difference (ΔE^*) between pair of background specimen and opaque resin builtup specimen showed more than 10.0 regardless kinds and thickness.

The variance in opacity characteristics and color of the opaque composites is dependent upon manufacturer. When using the opaque resin, the optical properties of each material must be considered as well as cavity.