[Team communication needed in treatment for fixed prosthesis. 2) Opinion from dental technician's standpoint]

The fabrication of a fixed prosthesis is influenced by the communication between the dentist and the laboratory technician. Especially for tooth-colored restoration of anterior teeth, the laboratory technician has the difficult task of understanding the shade selected by the dentist and reproducing it in the final restoration. Conventional shade analysis techniques using the Vita shade guide often result in subjective analysis and a resultant miscommunication of color. Over the years, many different techniques including picture-taking, drawing of diagrams, and using multiple shade guides have been formulated to help overcome this problem. Recently, digital shade analysis systems have been designed to eliminate the subjectivity of color analysis and provide precise information for laboratory buildup and fabrication. However, even these techniques have not completely erased the difficulties involved in communicating the choice of the proper shade for tooth-colored restoration. Many dentists are only familiar with techniques they were taught in dental school and/or their residency program, and they are unaware of other, superior methods that can be used. This review introduces various shade analysis systems that can be performed in dental clinical practice. Further, it highlights the importance of communication between the dentist, technician, and patient for the fabrication and delivery of aesthetic restorations.