Relationship between the color of the maxillary central incisors and age, sex, and skin color: value analysis using a spectrophotometer

Abstract

The increasing esthetic-related concerns of edentulous patients, especially concerning denture color, are a challenge for dentists and prosthodontists. Yet, there are no studies assessing anterior teeth in order to determine more esthetically appealing tooth colors. The limited information that is used to determine tooth color, namely, age, sex, and skin color, makes it difficult to choose the appropriate denture shade. This study aimed to analyze color differences in three maxillary anterior teeth and the correlation of maxillary central incisors with age, sex, and skin color. This was a cross-sectional study of teeth color determination using a spectrophotometer on the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines in 84 subjects. Skin color was matched using the Wardah compact shade guide powder based on the Fitzpatrick skin color classification. Kruskal-Wallis testing revealed significant differences in the color of the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines (p < 0.05), and chi-square testing revealed significant differences in teeth color based on age (p < 0.05), although no significant differences by sex or skin color were found (p > 0.05). Color differences in the three types of maxillary anterior teeth are commonly seen. Age affects teeth color, but sex and skin color do not effect.