Comparison of two optical devices used for artificial tooth color selection.

Abstract

Correct color assessment and the selection of the color of the prosthetic restoration are important aspects of prosthetic treatment, which significantly affect the success of the treatment. The aim of this study was to compare 2 commercial devices used for tooth color selection. The color of maxillary right central incisors and right canines was assessed in a group 100 patients aged 22-40 years (25.11 ±3.24 years), using the Easyshade® spectrophotometer and the ShadeStar® colorimeter. Two visual shade guides were used as references for the tests - VITA VITAPAN® Classical and VITA 3D‑Master. The 2 instruments and the 2 visual shade guides were assessed in terms of agreement in tooth color selection. There were statistically significant differences between the 2 instruments in terms of agreement in tooth color selection as well as between the 2 shade guides. The VITA VITAPAN Classical shade guide was shown to be more accurate in tooth color selection than VITA 3D‑Master. There was agreement between the Easyshade spectrophotometer and ShadeStar colorimeter measurements for incisors in 49% of cases with the VITA VITAPAN Classical shade guide and in 22% of cases with VITA 3D‑Master. In the comparative analysis of the Easyshade and ShadeStar devices with regard to the measurements performed on canines there was 52% agreement for the VITA VITAPAN Classical shade guide and 32% agreement for VITA 3D‑Master. The VITA VITAPAN Classical system demonstrated superior agreement in shade selection as compared to the VITA 3D‑Master system. A low degree of agreement between the optical devices used in the selection of the color of artificial teeth may indicate optical differences between devices from different manufacturers.