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Harmonizing color measurements in dentistry using translucent tooth-colored materials
Rubens Nisie Tango1, Claudia Ângela Maziero Volpato2, Karina Félix Santos3
1School of Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Sao Paulo State University, Avenida Eng. Francisco José Longo, 777, São José dos Campos, Sao Paulo, 12245320, Brazil. rn.tango@unesp.br.
Instrument calibration and harmonization significantly reduced color measurement discrepancies in dentistry. This process improved the accuracy of spectrophotometer readings for translucent dental materials, ensuring more reliable color data across different sites.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Colorimetry
- Metrology
Background:
- Color measurements in dentistry are relative, leading to high discrepancies among different instruments.
- Spectrophotometer variability poses challenges for accurate color assessment in clinical and research settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of instrument calibration and inter-instrument harmonization for spectrophotometers with identical optical geometry.
- To assess the impact of these procedures on color measurements of tooth-colored, translucent dental materials.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study utilized calibrated spectrophotometers (d/8° optical geometry) with tooth-colored, translucent dental materials.
- Calibration factors were derived using the NPL Ceram Series II set for two specimen sets at a coordinating center and three research sites.
- Color differences (CIEDE2000 and CIELAB) were calculated for non-corrected and corrected measurements, analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests.
Main Results:
- Calibration and harmonization significantly decreased color differences between the coordinating center and research sites, and among research sites.
- Reductions in CIEDE2000 values ranged from 73.6% to 83.1% for coordinating center-research site comparisons.
- Reductions in CIEDE2000 values ranged from 68.5% to 84.2% for research site-to-research site comparisons.
Conclusions:
- Instrument calibration and harmonization effectively reduced measurement discrepancies in dental color assessments.
- These standardization methods are crucial for improving the reliability and consistency of spectrophotometric color measurements for translucent dental materials.
