Rania Yaser

Laith Hadi
Fatima Rheda
Abd-Al Aziz Mohammed
Lana salah

Crown & Bridge

CCoolloorrss
and
and Shades
Shades Selection
Selection
SHADE SELECTION IN FIXED PROSTHODONTICS
Process of replicating of the color of the adjacent teeth in an
artificial prosthesis. The success of dental treatments as perceived
by our patients is often evaluated on appearance, rather than long-
term health, function and comfort. Everyone, it seems, is primarily
interested in color, Color is light, modified by an object as perceived
by an eye”.

Color that is perceived is the result of a light source, the object that
absorbs, transmits, reflects or scatters the light from the source, and
the interpretation of the result by the human visual system. Without
Light Color Does Not Exist.
COLOR & LIGHT
The color of an object is determined by the light that enters the human eye
from that object
What is commonly called "the color of a tooth" is actually the color of the
reflected light.
Light: is a Form of visible energy that is part of the radiant energy spectrum.
Radiant energy possesses specific wavelengths, which may be used to identify the
type of energy. The eye is only sensitive to the visible portion of the spectrum (380 –
750nm) Different wavelengths constitute the different colors we perceive.
 When Pure White Light passed through a prism we see component colors of
white light, Shorter
MUNSELL wavelengths
DEFINE bend more than
THREE DIMENSION OR longer wavelengths.
QUALITIES FOR COLOR:
1. HUE QUALITY BY WHICH WE DISTINGUISH ONE COLOR FAMILY
Albert Munsell,
FROM feltANOTHER
a need to(describe
VARIETY the
OFcolors
COLOR of).
his sketchesWEin definite
HAVE TENterms to his
HUE students.
COLOR This
FAMILIES;
1. R-RED 2.YR-YELLOW
led to the development of the MunsellGREEN
Color System,
3. Y-YELLOW 4.GY-GREEN YELLOW
which is presently a widely
5. G-GREEN used visual
6.BG-BLUE GREENcolor order
system. He described
7.B-BLUE three dimensions
8.PB-PURPLE of color as
BLUE
hue, chroma,9.and
P-PURPLE
value. 10.RP-REDPURPLE.
EACH OF THESE TEN HUES IS FURTHER SUBDIVIDED INTO TEN
NUMBERED SEGMENTS. THE MIDDLE RED WOULD THUS BE 5R
It is possible to vary each of these qualities without disturbing the other. The
ability to understand each of these dimensions and separate them from one
another is fundamental to an understanding of color as it relates to dentistry.
MUNSELL DEFINE THREE DIMENSION OR
QUALITIES FOR COLOR:
1. Hue Quality by which we distinguish one color family from another
( variety of color ).
We have ten hue color families;
1. R-red 2.YR-yellow green
3. Y-yellow 4.GY-green yellow
5. G-green 6.BG-bluegreen
7.B-blue 8.PB-purple blue
9.P-purple 10.RP-redpurple.
Each of these ten hues is further subdivided into ten numbered
segments. The middle red would thus be 5R
2. Chroma Quality of color by which we distinguish a strong
color from a weak one (the intensity or saturation of hue).
The degree of departure of a color sensation from that of
white or gray ; the intensity of a distinctive hue, color
3. VALUE QUALITY
intensity _Range= 0 – 12
THE VALUE OF A COLOR IS DETERMINED BY WHICH ONE
OF THE GRAYS IT MATCHES ON THE SCALE. COLORS WITH
LOW VALUE NUMBERS ARE TERMED DARK COLORS, AND
ONE WITH HIGH VALUE NUMBERS ARE CALLED LIGHT
COLORS. A BLACK-AND-WHITE TELEVISION TUBE EMITS
ONLYQuality
3. Value A RANGE OF VALUES
by which 9.
we distinguish a light color from a dark one or the
relative brightness of object (lightness or darkness), range from zero to ten,
VALUE
black IS GENERALLY
is zero(0) and white CONSIDERED
is ten (10). TO BE THE MOST
IMPORTANT OF THE THREE DIMENSIONS OF COLOR
• ONE REASON IS THAT LIGHTNESS AND DARKNESS DIFFERENCES ARE
READILY DETECTED BY INDIVIDUALS UNTRAINED IN COLOR
PERCEPTION.
• ANOTHER REASON IS THAT VALUE DIFFERENCES ARE MORE EASILY
3. VALUE QUALITY
The value of a color is determined by which one of the grays
it matches on the scale. Colors with low value numbers are
termed dark colors, and one with high value numbers are
called light colors. A black-and-white televisionTHE
FACTORS INFLUENCE tubeAPPARENT
emits COLOR OF
only a range of values 9.AN OBJECT (TEETH):
1) NATURE OF LIGHT WE HAVE THREE LIGHT SOURCES:
Value is generally considered to be the LIGHT,
INCANDESCENT most important of the LIGHT
FLUORESCENT three dimensions
AND NATURAL of color
DAYLIGHT. MOST DENTAL OFFICES ARE OUTFITTED WITH
• One reason is that lightness and darkness differences are readily detected by
INCANDESCENT AND FLUORESCENT LIGHTS. INCANDESCENT
individuals untrained inLIGHT
color EMITS
perception.
HIGH CONCENTRATION OF YELLOW WAVES
• Another reason is that value differences
MATCHING. are more easilyLIGHT
WHILE, FLUORESCENT detected at aHIGH
EMITS variety of
viewing distances (bothCONCENTRATION
close-up and at aOFdistance),
BLUE WAVES BOTH
whereas OF TWO NOT
differences SUITABLE
in hue and
FOR SHADE MATCHING.
chroma become more difficult to quantify as the viewing distance increases Color of
Human Teeth. CHAIR LIGHT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR COLOR MATCHING AS IT
IS OVER POWERING AND INTERFERES WITH FINE
FACTORS INFLUENCE THE APPARENT COLOR OF
AN OBJECT (TEETH):

1) Nature ofINFLUENCE
FACTORS light We haveTHEthree light sources:
APPARENT COLOR Incandescent
OF
Light, Fluorescent
AN OBJECT (TEETH):Light and Natural Daylight. Most dental
offices are outfitted with incandescent and fluorescent lights.
2) PHYSICAL Light
Incandescent PROPERTIES OF OBJECTS
Emits high WHENof
concentration LIGHT STRIKES
yellow waves AN
OBJECT, AND ACCORDING TO THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES SOME
matching. while, Fluorescent Light Emits high concentration of
WAVELENGTHS ARE ABSORBED BY THE OBJECT, WHILE OTHER
blue waves Both of two Not suitable for shade
TRANSFERS THROUGH IT, THE REMAINING ARE REFLECTED
matching.
,COLOR OF AN OBJECT – LIGHT THAT IS ACTUALLY REFLECTED
Chair light
BY THE is not TRUE
OBJECT. recommended for color matchingAND
COLOR CHARACTERISTIC as it is over
APPEARANCE
powering OF DEPTHwith
and interferes TRANSLUCENCY IN A NATURAL
fine discrimination of three TOOTH
CANNOT BE CORRECTLY PERCEIVED UNLESS THE TOOTH IS FREE
dimensions of color Natural Daylight considered the best Closest
OF PLAQUE AND SURFACE STAINS.
to emitting the full spectrum of white light Used as the standard
by which to judge other light sources.
FACTORS INFLUENCE THE APPARENT COLOR OF AN OBJECT (TEETH):
FACTORS INFLUENCE THE APPARENT COLOR OF
AN OBJECT (TEETH):

2) Physical Properties of Objects

OPAL EFFECT: FINE when lightINstrikes
PARTICLES ENAMELan object, and
(HYDROXYAPATITE
CRYSTALS) RESPONSIBLE FOR OPAL EFFECT FINE PARTICLES
according to the physical
REFLECT properties some wavelengths
SHORT WAVELENGTHS are
AND ALLOW LONGER
absorbed by the object, while other
WAVELENGTHS transfers
TO PASS THROUGH. through it, theWITHIN A
HENCE AREAS
TOOTH OR A RESTORATION WITH HIGHER TRANSLUCENCY WILL
remaining are reflected
HAVE A,color
LOWERof an object
VALUE – light
BECAUSE LIGHTthat is actually
TRANSILLUMINATES
reflected by the object. True
THROUGH ANDcolor
AWAY characteristic
FROM THE VIEWER. and appearance
of depth translucency in a natural tooth cannot be correctly
perceived unless the tooth is free of plaque and surface stains.
METEMERISM PHENOMENON OCCURS WHEN THE COLOR OF THE
TWO OBJECTS APPEAR TO MATCH UNDER ONE LIGHTING
SOURCE BUT NOT UNDER A DIFFERENT SOURCE, THAT'S WHY ,
SHADE SELECTION MUST BE EVALUATED UNDER MULTIPLE
LIGHT SOURCES (DIFFERENT LIGHT SOURCES).
 FACTORS INFLUENCE THE APPARENT COLOR OF
AN OBJECT (TEETH):
3) SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE
OBSERVER THE LIGHT FIRST
Opal PENETRATES A
Effect: Fine particles in enamel (hydroxyapatite crystals)
LAYER OF NERVE FIBERS, THEN PASSES
responsible for opal effect Fine particles reflect short
THROUGH SEVERAL LAYERS OF CELLS, AND
wavelengths and allow longer wavelengths to pass through.
FINALLY REACHES THE RODS AND CONES,
Hence areas within a tooth or a restoration with higher
WHICH ARE EMBEDDED UNDERNEATH.
translucency will have a lower value because light
THE RODS AND CONES OF THE RETINA through and away from the viewer.
transilluminates
FORM THE CHIEF COMPONENT OF THE
RETINAL RECEPTOR COMPLEX
Metemerism phenomenon occurs when the color of the two
ACHROMATISM – COMPLETE LACK OF HUE SENSITIVITY.
objects appear to match under one lighting source but not under
DICHROMATISM – SENSITIVITY
ACHROMATISM – COMPLETETO TWO
LACK PRIMARY
OF HUES ANOMALOUS.
HUE SENSITIVITY.
a different source, that's why , shade selection must be evaluated
TRICHROMATISM
DICHROMATISM– SENSITIVITY
– SENSITIVITYTOTOALL THREE
TWO HUES,HUES
PRIMARY WITHANOMALOUS.
ABNORMALITY IN
RETINAL CONES AFFECTING
TRICHROMATISM
under multiple
ONE OF TO
– SENSITIVITY
light
PRIMARY sources (different
PIGMENTS.
ALL THREE
light sources).
HUES, WITH ABNORMALITY IN
DENTISTS
RETINAL SHOULD HAVE THEIR
CONES AFFECTING COLOR
ONE VISION EVALUATED.
OF PRIMARY PIGMENTS. IF ANY DEFICIENCY IS
DETECTED, A DENTIST SHOULD SEEK ASSISTANCE WHEN SELECTING TOOTH SHADES
 3) Subjective assessment of the observer the light first penetrates a layer of
nerve fibers, then passes through several layers of cells, and finally reaches the
rods and cones, which are embedded underneath.

The rods and cones of the retina form the chief

component of the retinal receptor complex

Achromatism – complete lack of hue sensitivity.

Dichromatism – sensitivity to two primary hues Anomalous.
Trichromatism – sensitivity to all three hues, with abnormality in retinal cones
affecting one of primary pigments.
Dentists should have their color vision evaluated. If any deficiency is
detected, a dentist should seek assistance when selecting tooth shades
Shade Selection
Traditional shade taking involves matching one or more selected colors
from a range of shade tabs to the teeth adjacent or contralateral to the
teeth to be restored. This serves as a guide to the lab technician fabricating
the crown or the bridge. i.e it is Process of replicating of the color of the
adjacent teeth in an artificial prosthesis, we have different methods for
shade selection;

1) Visual shade matching: Visual shade selection by comparison of

a patient’s tooth with a color standard (i.e. commercially available
shade guide) .A Dental Shade Guide is a set of simulated teeth used
to select prosthetic teeth by color.
Shade Selection
1) Visual shade matching: Shade guides are Examples of various color
combinations available from manufacturers of denture teeth, restorative resins
and porcelains. These samples are compared with the natural teeth and the
closest color match is determined, most commonly use shade guide in fixed
prosthodontics;
a) Vita Classic Shade Guide
b) Vita-3D –Master shade guide
c) VITA Linearguide 3D-MASTER
Principles of Shade Selection
1. Teeth to be matched must be clean & moist
2. Remove bright colors from field of view
• - makeup / tinted eye glasses
• - bright gloves
• - neutral operatory walls
3. View patient at eye level
4. Evaluate shade under multiple light sources
5. Make shade comparisons at beginning of appointment
6. Shade comparisons should be made quickly to avoid eye fatigue.
Principles of Shade Selection
7. selection distance- a selection made at 3-6 feet from the oral cavity is often
more useful, since it is representative of the conditions under which the patient
teeth will most often be observed.

8. Use of color Contrastors ; The color environment play important role in our
color perception of the grey tooth significantly

9. Shade tap position; Shade tap should be held above the mand tooth or Below
the max tooth to be match and aligned as close as possible to the plane of
orientation of the facial surface Of the tooth being matched.
a) Vita Classic Shade Guide:

Very popular shade guide, Tabs of similar hue are clustered into letter groups;
A (red-yellow) B (yellow) C (grey) D (red-yellow-gray)

Manufacturer recommended the

sequence for shade matching as follow
1. Hue Selection
2.Chroma Selection
3. Value Selection: Because value level is not
involve in this shade guide, Use of second, value
ordered shade guide is recommended (Value
oriented shade guide)
b) Vita-3D –Master shade guide:

More precise shade guide, tooth color divided into 5 levels of value, for each
value group deviation from medium hue towards yellow or red.

In the medium (M) hue there are three levels of color samples for the
chroma , deviation toward more yellowish hues (L) or more reddish hue
(R) exist in 2 chroma
Manufacturer recommended the sequence for shade matching

1. Determine the lightness level ( value).Hold shade

guide to patient’s mouth and start with darkest group
moving to left . Select Value group 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

2. Select the chroma from From your selected Value

group, remove the middle tab (M) and spread the
samples out like a fan Select one of the three shade
samples to determine chroma
3. Determine the hue and Check whether the natural
tooth is more yellowish or more reddish than the shade
sample selected.
c) VITA Linearguide 3D-MASTER SHADE GUIDE

The all-new VITA 3D-Master Linearguide enables the quick determination of

precise tooth shades and uses the same scientific principles and 29 shades found
in the popular VITA 3D-Master shade guide. The Linearguide features a
sleeker, linear design that makes the process of precise shade determination even
faster and easier. In two simple steps the final shade is achieved, first by

selecting from five value tabs, then by

choosing the proper mix of chroma and hue
within the selected value range.
c) VITA Linearguide 3D-MASTER SHADE GUIDE

With the VITA Linearguide 3D-MASTER you can determine the correct tooth
shade swiftly and accurately. The modern design and systematic structure of the
VITA Linearguide enable the appropriate 3D-MASTER shade to be found quickly.

Manufacturer recommended the sequence for shade matching

1. Remove the VITA Valueguide 3D-MASTER from the top of the Linearguide. The
correct degree of lightness can now be determined by removing the Valueguide. Make an
initial choice using the Valueguide. In doing so, you determine the correct degree of
lightness 0 to 5.

2. Make a detailed choice within the determined degree of lightness from step 1 using the
corresponding VITA Chroma/Hueguide.
2) Instrumental color analysis (Digital shade-scanning devices)

Digital devices are available that can be used to select the shade
• Tooth should be clean & free of debris
• Need to hold probe perpendicular to tooth
• There is variation in the color depending on where the probe is located
• Tip centered (1 – 2 mm from gingiva and incisal edge) or do 3 zones (gingival,
middle, and incisal)
The advantages of a digital shade-matching system include objective readings and
accuracy.
There are two types of digital shade-matching devices commonly used in
dentistry: 1. spectrophotometer 2. colorimeter
The Spectrophotometer

consistently and accurately measures

natural tooth coloration in reference to
any known specific color or can be based
on any shading system. It measures the
color characteristics of the natural tooth
precisely and scientifically, indicating the
deviations and gradations of value,
chroma, and hue from a standard and
provides all the information that is
necessary to create an accurate
restoration
The colorimeter

analyzes the tooth coloration based on preloaded data that is related to a shade
system. It determines the shade tab that is closest to the actual color of the tooth.
The colorimeter is typically less accurate than the spectrophotometer but may
suffice in most dental situations. Because both spectrophotometers and
colorimeters tend to eliminate ambient light by standardizing the immediate
environs of the target tooth, the shade can be taken in any operatory with 8 any
kind of lighting streaming in through the window.
Digital shade taking therefore is far easier, far more practical, and far more accurate
than shade taking using color tabs and the naked eye in a variable environment.
The colorimeter

An example of digital shade scanning devices:

a) VITA EASYSHADE
b) VITA EASYSHADE COMPACT
c) MHT SPECTROSHADE SYSTEM
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