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Evaluation of visual and instrument shade matching
S R Okubo1, A Kanawati, M W Richards
1School of Dentistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|November 26, 1998
Summary
A new computerized colorimeter and visual shade matching in dentistry showed similar accuracy. The colorimeter offered better repeatability for shade tab matching compared to visual assessment.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Colorimetry
- Visual perception
Background:
- Visual shade matching in dentistry is subjective and unreliable.
- Objective instrumental measurement of tooth color is needed for accurate shade matching.
- Accurate shade matching is crucial for aesthetic dental restorations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the accuracy of a new computerized colorimeter against visual assessment for matching ceramic shade guide teeth.
- To determine the reliability and repeatability of both instrumental and visual shade matching methods.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one observers performed visual shade matching using Vita Lumin shade guides.
- A Colortron II colorimeter was used to measure shade guide teeth using CIELAB measurements.
- Repeatability was assessed through repeated testing and paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- The colorimeter achieved 50% correct matches, while visual matching averaged 48% correct.
- No statistically significant difference in accuracy was found between the colorimeter and visual matching.
- The colorimeter demonstrated 100% repeatability, whereas visual matching showed fair repeatability (r =.60).
Conclusions:
- Instrumental shade determination using the evaluated colorimeter showed only a slight accuracy improvement over visual methods.
- Visual shade determination remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for more reliable color matching technologies in dentistry.