Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Clinical color match of porcelain visual shade-matching systems
Alvin G Wee1, Edith Y Kang, Deepali Jere
1Section of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, Arthur James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus 43210-1241, USA. Wee.12@osu.edu
Background:
Accuracy of the total color replication process has not been clinically evaluated for various porcelain visual shade-matching systems.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the final color replication process of three porcelain visual shade-matching systems. Subjects' natural dentition was compared with laboratory-fabricated individualized porcelain shade tabs.
Materials And Methods:
Shade matches of 10 subjects' incisors were obtained using three different porcelain visual shade-matching systems. Commercial laboratories fabricated one corresponding individualized porcelain shade tab for each incisor per visual shade-matching system selection. Color-match evaluations of the fabricated individualized porcelain shade tabs to the corresponding teeth were completed by prosthodontists' consensus and by subjects' self-evaluation using the US Public Health Service criteria. Statistical analysis was carried out on the combined evaluations with logistic regression and the Generalized Estimating Equation for repeated measures.
Results:
The Vitapan 3D Master/Omega 900 system (Vident Inc., Brea, CA, USA) was significantly more likely than the Vita Lumin Vacuum/VMK 68 system (Vident Inc.) to obtain a clinically acceptable color match (odds ratio [OR]=6.31; 95% CI=1.24-32.07). The likelihood of obtaining a clinically acceptable color match through subjects' self-evaluation was found to be significantly higher compared with prosthodontists' consensus (OR=2.75; 95% CI=1.27-5.94).
Conclusions:
Within the limits of this preliminary study, significant differences in clinical acceptability were seen between the color matches of the fabricated individualized porcelain shade tabs from different systems and subjects' central incisors. Subjects' range of acceptability was much broader compared with that of the prosthodontists in assessing the color match of the fabricated porcelain shade tabs.
Clinical Significance:
The use of certain porcelain visual shade-matching systems may result in a clinically acceptable color match of the final restoration more readily than the use of other systems. Color-match evaluation of final restorations should be accomplished through a consensus between prosthodontists and patients, given the difference in thresholds of acceptability.
