Comparison of visual shade matching and photographic shade analysis

• Published in: Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry 2022-03, Vol.34 (2), p.374-382
• Main Authors: Rondón, Luis Felipe, Ramírez, Robert, Pecho, Oscar E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Color; Color Perception; dental photography; Dental Prosthesis Design; Dentistry; Humans; Incisor; Incisors; Photography; Pilot Projects; Prosthesis Coloring; Shade; shade communication; Statistical analysis; Teeth; visual shade matching
• ISSN: 1496-4155; 1708-8240
• DOI: 10.1111/jerd.12883

Objective To compare the performance of a standardized photographic shade analysis (PSA) and visual shade matching (VSM) using two color difference formulas. Materials and Methods Fifty observers (35 undergraduate and 15 graduate students) evaluated the color of two upper left central incisors (LT—light tooth, and DT—dark tooth). VSM was performed using the VITA 3D Master (3D) shade guide in a controlled clinical environment. For PSA, a cross‐polarized filter and a gray card (Whibal) were used to standardize the photographs taken (target teeth and shade tabs from 3D). From the pictures obtained, the CIELAB coordinates, and color differences (ΔEab* and ΔE00) were obtained. The shade tabs selected by two experienced researchers were conducted as part of the pilot study, and finally used as a standard for the analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi‐square test (p ≤ 0.05). Results Shade tabs selections of VSM and PSA agreed only for LT. The best “Match” selected by the researchers agreed with data from PSA using ΔE00. PSA using ΔE00 showed higher total percentages of “Match” and higher percentage of agreement among observers. A relationship was found for LT performing the PSA (p