Spectrophotometric and visual shade measurements of human teeth using three shade guides

Gabriele Fani*, Alessandro Vichi, Carel L. Davidson

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Purpose: To compare spectrophotometric vs. visual color identification of tooth shade on the basis of three different commercially available shade guides. 

    Methods: On 54 subjects, two operators (with >10 years experience) independently selected the best match of the middle third of one of the patient's upper central incisors, using consecutively three shade guides (Vita Lumin Vacuum, Chromascop, Vita 3D Master). After each individual shade match, the same operator performed a shade measurement with a SpectroShade spectrophotometer. 

    Results: The Vita Lumin shade guide appeared to provide the most consistent results between human and spectrophotometrical evaluation, although Vita 3D Master offered a greater variety of colors. In approximately 47% of the cases, the spectrophotometer provided more accurate results than visual selection. From a clinical point of view, this is a noteworthy improvement in the complex process of color match for indirect restoration.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)142-146
    Number of pages5
    JournalAmerican Journal of Dentistry
    Volume20
    Issue number3
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2007

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Spectrophotometric and visual shade measurements of human teeth using three shade guides'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this