Simplifying the correction of the digital image in shade communication

Abstract

Photography may be an important tool in the communication between dentists and dental technicians; more so when these team members are not in the same location. Traditionally, the information carrier has been analog film. 1. Phelan S Use of photographs for communicating with the laboratory in indirect posterior restorations. J Can Dent Assoc. 2002; 68: 239-242 PubMed Google Scholar , 2. Derbabian K Chee W.W Simple tools to facilitate communication in esthetic dentistry. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2003; 31: 537-542 PubMed Google Scholar Increasingly, however, digital media are employed. 3. Benz C Digital photography: exposures, editing images, and presentation. Int J Comput Dent. 2003; 6: 249-281 PubMed Google Scholar , 4. Singer B.A Digital photography: the key to the esthetic paradox. Pa Dent J. 2001; 68: 19-26 Google Scholar , 5. Goldstein M.B Young R Bergmann R Digital photography. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2003; 24 (270-3): 264-268 Google Scholar , 6. Dalin J.B Digital photography and imaging can enhance practice in several ways. J Indiana Dent Assoc. 2002-2003; 81: 24-26 PubMed Google Scholar The exposure variables are relatively similar for both analog and digital photography. The digital image has the advantage of immediate verification, so the intended exposure and framing can be evaluated. The darkroom process in the analog workflow has provided some control over the end product. Computer software is the digital darkroom. It allows quantification and controlled modification of a digital image. By analyzing an image, the software measures the quantity of all of the colors in an image. A histogram illustrates how pixels in an image are distributed by graphically illustrating the number of pixels at each color intensity level. The histogram indicates if the image has enough detail in the shadows, mid tones, and highlights. Pure black is situated on the left and pure white on the right side of the histogram. Shade communication is highly dependent on a true image. It is imperative that the monitors used to view the image are color calibrated (Optical ColorVison; Pantone Inc, Carlstadt, NJ). Every computer monitor has a native colorcast; calibration ensures that this cast is corrected so the displayed image is true. This article describes a simple method to standardize a digital image used for shade communication with the dental laboratory.