Using spectrophotometer technology in the assessment and monitoring of tooth wear

Using such tools as spectrophotometers and practice performance standards is becoming a more recognized means of acquiring valid information regarding the current oral care status of patients, as well as to help guide and educate them through their prescribed treatment processes. Applying these tools consistently, over the range of patients within a practice, allows the detection of important patterns and problems in the oral health status of individual patients, including patterns of tooth wear. This article demonstrates the manner in which practice performance techniques and assessment instrumentation such as spectrophotometers have empowered one practice to favorably impact patients in the identification and subsequent management of tooth wear.