Shade Selection in Dentistry: Visual vs. Spectrophotometric Methods

In dentistry, the process of shade selection is an important procedure to provide an aesthetic restoration that harmoniously blends with patient's natural teeth. Knowledge of the scientific basis of color from understanding light to also interpreting the artistic aspects of shade selection ensures a successful result. The most commonly applied method for shade selection is the visual color assessment, by comparison of the tooth with standard tooth shade color guides, visual color assessments have shown to be subjective and unreliable as people vary in their ability to detect small differences in color between two objects. Developments in optical electronics, computer technology and color instruments as colorimeters and spectrophotometers assist in shade selection and significantly reduce the subjectivity of color selection and greatly enhance shade selection and communication between the dental office and dental laboratory.