Comparison of shade matching by visual observation and an intraoral dental colorimeter

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Abstract
Summary  The purpose of this study was to compare the applicability of two shade‐matching approaches: Vintage Halo shade guide (visual method) and Shofu ShadeEye NCC colorimeter (instrumental method). Twenty participants’ maxillary left central incisors were evaluated. Corresponding metal ceramic crowns were fabricated with each shade‐matching approach. The colour distributions (L*, a* and b*) of the middle third region of each tooth and corresponding metal ceramic crowns were spectrophotometrically assessed. The colour difference (ΔE) and colour distributions (ΔL*, Δa* and Δb*) between the tooth and the corresponding crowns were calculated. We found that the colour differences of both groups fell within the clinical unacceptable range (ΔE > 2·75). Regarding ΔE and the three colour distributions, no significant difference was found, expect for a* (P < 0·01). The shade matching difficulty degree was analysed through the agreements of visual shade selection. Within easy matching cases, the instrumental method achieved better results (P = 0·041). In conclusion, it is suggested that the reliability of shade matching can be ensured by neither the colorimeter nor the visual approach. However, the colorimeter can achieve better results within easy matching cases.

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