Clinical comparison of different color selection methods with digital photographs using a button technique

We aimed to compare the intra- and interobserver agreements of postgraduate students in selecting tooth color using various conventional or digital tools.

Color selection was performed by four postgraduate students. Prior to the study, the students attended a lecture for calibration. Tooth color was assessed on the maxillary central incisors of 32 healthy patients. Visual color selection was performed using VITA Classical (VC) and VITA 3D (V3D) color scales. Digital color selection was performed using VITA Easyshade V and Canon D80 digital camera. The enamel (incisal) and dentin (cervical) from an anterior composite resin set were temporarily adhered to the facial surface of the incisor using the button technique. Digital photographs were captured and color selection was performed. Enamel (E1) and dentin (D1) colors were created based on the original photographs. The enamel color (E2) was selected by converting the photographs to black and white. The dentin colors (D2) were chosen by increasing the contrast of the images. Data were statistically analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test.

Poor or moderate agreement was observed between the VC-V3D, VC-VE, and V3D-VE in terms of intraobserver agreements. Conversely, the intraobserver agreements between E1 and E2 were good for all four observers. The ICC results for the interobserver agreement were good for evaluations of photographs alone, whereas the agreement was poor for the other methods.

Color selection in the aesthetic region can be safely performed using the button technique based on original digital photographs.

Digital dental photography is important in improving the accuracy of clinical tooth color selection.