Objective: To determine the accuracy and reproducibility of tooth shade selection acquired visually and by a computer system. Methods: Fifty patients were randomly selected to participate in the study. Each patient's permanent maxillary right central incisor shade was determined independently by two clinicians with negative histories of visual color deficiency using a Vita Classical Shade Guide. Each clinician selected the three best matches, using color corrected lighting and also the Demetron Shade Light. A consensus or “best shade” was determined for each patient and for each lighting condition by the clinicians. A computer shade matching system, MHT SpectroShade®, was also used to record each patient's tooth shade. Results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and t-tests. Results: The two clinicians selected the same first-choice shade 46% under color corrected light and 44% using the Demetron. The clinicians selected the same shade as their first- or second-choice 84% under color corrected light and 80% using the Demetron. The clinicians' consensus agreement with the SpectroShade® was 36% with color corrected light and 30% with the Demetron. The clinicians' consensus shade showed higher agreement with the SpectroShade® in “younger” patients (40% color corrected light; 36% Demetron) and “light” tooth shades (44% color corrected light; 38% Demetron) than with “older” patients (32% color corrected light, 24% Demetron) and “dark” tooth shades (22% color corrected light, 17% Demetron.) Delta E colorimeter values will be presented for teeth measured with both systems. Conclusion: The ability to consistently match visual tooth shade selection to a computer system was low but seemed to be more accurate with shades that are lighter or higher in value. The Demetron Shade Light was slightly more effective in aiding shade selection for shades higher in value.

Supported by the University of Michigan Student Summer Research Program

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