Objective: To determine L*, a* and b* rankings of Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide using a chromameter and compare them with its suggested value-based ranking. Methods: A new set of Vitapan 3D-Master was independently measured by two examiners for CIE L*a*b* using Minolta Chroma Meter (CR-321, Osaka, Japan). Three measurements were taken from the center of each tab by repositioning the aperture of the cone head each time. Means, standard deviations, differences (delta L*a*b*) and the delta E among shades were computed. The Kruskal-Wallis One-Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks and Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test were used to examine intra- and inter-examiner consistency, respectively. Using Spearman Rank Order Correlation, the relationship between Vitapan 3D-Master and the L*, a* and b* values, and the chromameter ranking order was compared with that suggested by Wildgoose et al. (AADR 2003). Results: There were no significant differences among the intra- and inter-examiner measurements (p>0.895). The correlation in ranking of the Vitapan 3D using chromameter readings and the Wildgoose study were significant (p<0.000). However, the tab deviations ranged from one to ten. Twelve tabs deviated more than three rankings. The ranges for DEs were 1.22 to 8.88 and 1.18 to 8.52 for one-shade and the two-shade difference, respectively. Conclusion: The relationship between the Vitapan 3D-Master shade tabs is not linear, and significant deviations in ranking exist compared to value-based shade ranking of Wildgoose study. Chromameter measurements may serve as an adjunct to other clinically based shade evaluation methods.

Back to the Prosthodontics Research Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session (March 10-13, 2004)

Top Level Search