Using a spectrophotometric study of human gingival colour distribution to develop a shade guide

Area of Science:

• Dental Aesthetics
• Biomaterials Science
• Color Science

Background:

• Accurate shade matching is crucial for natural-looking dental prostheses.
• Gingival color is a key component of overall oral aesthetics.
• Existing shade guides lack comprehensive gingival color representation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze healthy gingival color using spectrometry.
• To develop a standardized shade guide for gingival aesthetics.
• To provide a reference for dental laboratory technicians.

Main Methods:

• Spectrometric analysis of gingival color in 362 subjects.
• Utilized a 45/0-degree optical configuration with a reflectance spectrometer.
• Measured Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*, a*, b* (CIELAB) values and color differences (ΔE).
• Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA and cluster analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gingival color were observed between sexes (ΔE > 3.7).
• Female gingiva exhibited a significantly lighter mean CIE L* value compared to males (p < 0.05).
• No significant age-related color differences were found.
• Ten distinct gingival color categories were established.

Conclusions:

• Female gingival color is lighter than male gingival color.
• The developed 10-category classification serves as a reliable gingival shade guide.
• This guide aids dental technicians in achieving accurate pink aesthetics for prostheses.