Different Methods for Assessing Tooth Colour—In Vitro Study

Abstract

Colour assessment using digital methods can yield varying results, and it is important for clinicians to recognize the potential variability intra and inter-device. This study aimed to compare the L*a*b* values of VITA Classical (VC) and VITA Toothguide 3D-MASTER (VM) guides using two methods, SpectroShade (SS) and eLAB. Thirty-four measurements per tab were performed by a single operator across three batches of each guide. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between batches were calculated. Values <0.5, 0.5–0.75, 0.75–0.9, and >0.90 were classified as poor, moderate, good, and excellent reliability, respectively. Results were reported as mean and standard deviation of the L*a*b* values and respective colour differences (ΔE00) for each tab and method. Statistical analyses were performed with an independent t-test, α = 0.05. ICC values between batches were excellent for all L*a*b*, except for a* component in eLAB. There were statistically significant differences between methods in most L*a*b* values. The intra-device mean ΔE00 was 0.5 ± 0.6 for VC, 0.5 ± 0.8 for VM in SS, 1.1 ± 0.8 for VC, 1.1 ± 0.9 for VM in eLAB. The mean ΔE00 inter-device was 4.9 ± 1.7 for VC, 5.0 ± 1.7 for VM. Both methods demonstrated good internal consistency, with high ICC values and low intra-device colour differences, but exhibited high variability between methods, higher for a* the component.

Dentistry and Cranio Facial District: The Role of Biomimetics

“…Dias et al [30] investigated the accuracy and reliability of two digital methods emplyoed for tooth color assessment: SpectroShade (SS) and eLAB. This study focused on comparing the Lab* values of VITA Classical (VC) and VITA Toothguide 3D-MASTER (VM) shade guides across different batches by employing these methods.…”

“…Clinicians should be aware of these differences to ensure accurate color matching in dental restorations [31,32]. These findings suggest that, despite the advancements in digital color assessment technologies, achieving consistent and reliable color matching remains challenging, necessitating ongoing efforts to improve these tools and their application in clinical practice [30,33,34].…”