European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Comparison of Different Digital Color Measurement Methods on Maxillary Anterior and Canine Teeth: A Clinical Observational Study

Email a link to this journal

Cover Date

December 2023

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Electronic ISSN

2396-8893

Vol

31

Issue

4

Abstract

Purpose: This clinical observational study aimed to determine the reproducibility of digital color measurement methods of different front teeth. Methods: Color determination was performed using two spectrophotometric systems (Easyshade Advance; ES and Shadepilot; SP) and digital photography using a camera with ring flash and gray card with subsequent evaluation using computer software (DP; Adobe Photoshop). In 50 patients, at two time points, a digital color determination was performed on maxillary central incisors (MCI) and maxillary canines (MC) by a calibrated examiner. Outcome parameters were: color difference ΔE based on CIE L*a*b* values and VITA color match given by spectrophotometers. Results: SP showed significantly lower median ΔE values
(<1.2) than ES (<3.5) and DP (<4.4), while no significant differences were found between ES and DP. For all methods, both ΔE values and VITA color showed lower reliability regarding MC compared with MCI. The ΔE examination of subareas revealed significant differences in MCI for all devices and in MC only for SP. When comparing VITA color stability, SP showed a significantly higher color match than ES (81% and 57%, respectively). Conclusions: Digital color determination methods tested in the current study provided reliable results. However, there are significant differences between the devices used and
the teeth examined.

Keywords
Tooth Colour Measurement
Spectrophotometry
Anterior Teeth
Clinical Trial