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Perceptibility and acceptability thresholds for colour differences in dentistry
Ghazal Khashayar1, Paul A Bain2, Samira Salari3
1Department of Dental Materials Science, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Restorative Dentistry & Biomaterials Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Journal of Dentistry
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Dental color science lacks consensus on acceptability (AT) and perceptibility thresholds (PT) for color differences. This review systematically approaches color science, highlighting common ΔE* values used in clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Color Science in Dentistry
- Clinical Research Methodology
Background:
- Variability in dental literature regarding acceptability thresholds (AT) and perceptibility thresholds (PT) for color differences.
- Consensus exists on using ΔE* for AT and PT, but specific values lack agreement.
- Need for a systematic approach to color science in dental research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a systematic review of color science relevant to dental research.
- To analyze the consensus and divergence in determining AT and PT values.
- To offer a structured perspective on color difference measurement in clinical dentistry.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases up to January 2013.
- Inclusion of English-language clinical studies utilizing spectrophotometers for color measurement.
- Analysis of 48 eligible studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- A significant trend observed in the references cited for PT and AT.
- 44% of studies referenced the same source for PT (ΔE*=1).
- 35% of studies referenced the same source for AT (ΔE*=3.7).
Conclusions:
- Over half of the studies defined PT as ΔE*=1.
- One-third of studies used ΔE*=3.7 as the threshold for 50% observer acceptance.
- Clinical studies frequently rely on a limited number of older in vitro studies for PT and AT determination.
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