Reliability of two color selection devices in matching and measuring tooth color

The objective of this study was to investigate the intra and interdevice reliability of two tooth color measurement devices: EasyShade (ES) and SpectroShade Micro (SSM).

Tooth color was measured in six maxillary and mandibular. L*, a* and b* values and shade matches to VITA Classical and Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide systems were determined for all teeth. ΔE was assessed. Paired t-test and correlation coefficient (ICC) were used.

Intradevices no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between L*, a*, b*. Interdevice L* and b* were significantly higher for ES (p < 0.05), while a* was significantly higher for SSM (p < 0.05). ΔE showed no significant interdevice difference (p > 0.05). Intradevices ICC values were higher for ES but not significant (p > 0.05).

The null hypotheses that they present no differences in their color measuring within devices or shade systems is accepted, but the results allow to reject the null hypotheses that they present no differences in their color measuring or shade systems between devices.

Both EasyShade (ES) and SpectroShade Micro (SSM) show excellent repeatability and so they can be used in office to evaluate tooth color or to assess color changes after treatment.

Dental color can be diagnosed using dental spectrophotometers, allowing to detect in an objective way therapeutic dental color changes.