Evaluation of Color Changes in the Vitapan Classical Shade Guide After Disinfection

Abstract

The shade guide must remain consistent in the shade-matching process. If there is a perceptible color change in the shade guide, the result will be inconsistent shade determination and, thus, an unacceptable restoration. SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how one, two, and three years of simulated treatments affect the colors of Vitapan Classical Shade Guide tabs after being chemically disinfected. Ten shade tabs (one, control; nine, disinfection) were evaluated visually and by chromameter for color changes after disinfection. Results showed that 0.62 DE was found after three years of disinfection. The color changes in the shade guide tabs were perceptible or noticeable to the human eye in eight out of 45 shade tabs (17.8%) after two years and in 13 out of 45 shade tabs (28.9%) after three years of treatment. It was concluded that one shade guide should be retained as a control and periodically compared with the shade guide in use to determine when the shade tabs in use should be replaced or discarded.

The Effect of Chemical Disinfectants on the Color of a Porcelain Shade Guide

“…Subsequently, it would decrease in year two and year three except in one group. Alshethri (19) found similar conclusions on Vitapan Classical shade guide using Minuten Spray. The highest ΔE value was 0.86 which is also below the perceptible threshold.…”

Color stability of denture shade tabs is affected by exposure to daylight and decontamination protocols

“…In addition, disinfectant components could remain on the surface of the tabs after multiple decontamination protocols, which could cause color changes. 19 If this were the cause, lower DL* values and an increase in chromaticity would be expected, 4 as observed in the control group (Table 2). Thus, this phenomenon can explain the color change of specimens after cleaning with distilled water.…”

“…Decontamination protocols that contain organic solvents, such as alcohol, can degrade plastics and resins. 19,27 Most dental offices use various shade guides at least twice a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year. 4 Thus, the 240 decontaminations correspond to 6 months of shade guide cleaning.…”

“…Decontamination protocols have been reported to cause color changes in shade guides in studies using visual 20 or instrumental methods. 4,19,21 In one study, a 17.8% change in color of guides was found after 2 years and 28.9% after 3 years. Changes of this magnitude are considered perceptible, 21 although consensus on the most appropriate acceptability/perceptibility color changes for aesthetic restorations [22][23][24] has not yet been reached.…”

“…18 However, they may become contaminated with saliva, and appropriate decontamination procedures are recommended after each use by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 19 Biosafety practice is essential to prevent crossinfection.…”