Perceptibility and acceptability thresholds for colour differences in dentistry

• Published in: Journal of dentistry 2014-06, Vol.42 (6), p.637-644
• Main Authors: Khashayar, Ghazal, Bain, Paul A, Salari, Samira, Dozic, Alma, Kleverlaan, Cornelis J, Feilzer, Albert J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aesthetic; Color; Color Perception - physiology; Colour difference thresholds; Colour science; Dental research; Dentistry; Humans; Orthodontics; Science; Sensory Thresholds - physiology; Spectrophotometry; Spectrophotometry - methods; Studies; Tooth - anatomy & histology; Tooth Colour
• ISSN: 0300-5712; 1879-176X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2013.11.017

Abstract Introduction Data on acceptability (AT) and perceptibility thresholds (PT) for colour differences vary in dental literature. There is consensus that the determination of Δ E * is appropriate to define AT and PT, however there is no consensus regarding the values that should be used. The aim of this clinical review was to provide a systematic approach to the topic of colour science of high clinical relevance to dental research. Materials and methods MEDLINE/PubMed, WoS and EBSCO databases were searched up to January 7, 2013; the outcome was restricted to English, and to clinical studies were spectrophotometers were used for measurement. Results Forty-eight studies were eligible and met the inclusion criteria. Of the 48 studies there appeared to be a trend in their source references: 44% referred to the same study for the PT (Δ E * = 1); and 35% referred to the same article for the AT (Δ E * = 3.7). Conclusions More than half the studies defined PT as Δ E * = 1, and one third of the studies referred to Δ E * = 3.7 as the threshold at which 50% of observers accepted the colour difference. Most clinical studies refer to the same few in vitro literature that have attempted to determine PT and AT from decades ago.