Correlation between three color coordinates of human teeth

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Color Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Understanding human tooth color is crucial for aesthetic dentistry.
• Standardized color measurement systems are essential for objective analysis.
• Previous research has explored tooth color attributes, but comprehensive correlation analysis across systems is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlations between color coordinates within the CIE L*a*b* and lightness, chroma, hue angle systems for human teeth.
• To determine if tooth color attributes are harmonized and if deviations indicate anomalies.

Main Methods:

• Color measurements of 12 human anterior teeth using the Shade Vision System.
• Pearson correlation analysis (α=0.01) between color coordinate pairs.
• Multiple regression analysis (α=0.01) to assess the influence of two coordinates on a third.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between most color coordinate pairs in both systems.
• The chroma and hue angle pair showed no significant correlation.
• CIE L* (lightness) was negatively correlated with CIE a*, b*, and chroma, but positively with hue angle.
• Lighter teeth exhibited lower chroma in CIE a* and b* coordinates.
• Tooth color coordinates demonstrated interdependence.

Conclusions:

• Human tooth color coordinates are generally correlated, suggesting an intrinsic harmonization.
• A lack of correlation between specific color attributes may signal external or internal tooth discolorations and anomalies.
• These findings can aid in more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in aesthetic dentistry.