Introduction: Fluorescence is an important optical property in restoring aesthetic aspects, once it can change on behalf of different light sources effects. Objectives: This narrative review aim to define the fluorescence concept, describing fluorescence analyzes methods and compare dental fluorescence with resin based composite (RBC). Methods: Research conducted in PubMed/Science Direct of publications from 1996 to 2015 years with the keywords: "Resin-based Composites", "Multishaded Dental Composite", "aesthetic shade restoration", "Optical properties", "Tooth fluorescence", "Spectrophotometer". Seventy-two articles were identified. Methodology included review, clinical case and in vitro trials publications. Results: Thirty-eight publications were selected. The most common procedures to evaluate the RBC fluorescence are: a spectrophotometer that performs the evaluation of the emitted intensity of fluorescence in nanometers of the tooth and RBC to be used; another procedure is based on a visual method with the use of Wood's light. According to literature, this method is economically advantageous. Several authors registered differences in RBC fluorescence when compared to natural teeth. Conclusion: The use of fluorescence assessment methods such as spectrophotometry and Wood's light, are auxiliary means for RBC selection, to be used in order to optimize the aesthetic restorative results. Clinical implications: The selection of the restorative material should match the fluorescence characteristics of the tooth structure to restore, in order to obtain favorable aesthetic output. Keywords: Resin-based Composites, Multishaded Dental Composite, Aesthetic Shade Restoration, Optical Properties, Tooth Fluorescence, Spectrophotometer