Using Cross-Polarized Photography as a Guide for Selecting Resin Composite Shade

The restoration of single discolored maxillary anterior teeth is still a difficult task, as not only shape and surface characterization play an important role in the success of the treatment, but the propagation of light throughout the restorative material does as well. In some cases, small changes in morphology, color, and brightness will be noticeable. These factors are sometimes very tricky, and shade guides alone are difficult to use for color selection. This article proposes a protocol of employing cross-polarization imaging for improving the accuracy of the shade selection of resin composites. The step-by-step technique is presented for the restoration of a single discolored tooth.