Natural Sciences, Stomotology, 2026
ISSN: 1829-006X
PRESERVATION OF THE HALO EFFECT IN CERAMIC PROSTHETIC RESTORATIONS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
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Submitted: 2026-04-10
© 2026 by author(s) and The Gufo Inc.
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(CC BY-NC 4.0).
Abstract
Background:Achieving natural aesthetics in prosthetic dentistry requires precise reproduction of the optical properties of natural teeth. One key visual phenomenon is the halo effect, observed as a bright opalescent line along the incisal edge of the tooth. The halo effect is one of the most important visual markers of natural tooth aesthetics, resulting from the complex interaction of light with transparent enamel and the reflective layers of dentin. This optical effect arises from light scattering within enamel and reflection from underlying dentin. Modern dental ceramics partially reproduce this effect; however, accurate imitation depends on the optical characteristics of ceramic materials and proper layering technique.
Objective:To systematically review current scientific evidence regarding the mechanisms responsible for the halo effect in natural teeth and to evaluate methods for reproducing this effect in ceramic prosthetic restorations.
Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025 using keywords: dental ceramics, halo effect dentistry, opalescence enamel, optical properties dental materials, and esthetic restorations. After duplicate removal and screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Data extraction focused on enamel optical properties, ceramic materials, and layering techniques used to replicate natural aesthetics.
Results:The halo effect is influenced by enamel translucency, opalescence, refractive index, and restorative material thickness. Multilayer ceramic systems and specialized opalescent masses effectively reproduce natural optical characteristics. Material composition and layer thickness significantly affect light transmission and color perception. Conclusions:Modern ceramic systems enable effective replication of the halo effect in prosthetic restorations. Optimal aesthetic outcomes require careful material selection, understanding of optical properties, and advanced multilayer ceramic techniques.