The success of restorative dentistry is determined on the basis of functional and esthetic results. To achieve esthetics, four basic determinants are required in sequence; viz., position, contour, texture and color. The knowledge of the concept of color is essential for achieving good esthetics. This review compiles the various aspects of color, its measurements and shade matching in dentistry.

The human first maxillary molar provides clues about evolution and is functionally important. Crowns of maxillary molars have four main cusps, each having an independent growth pattern and different evolutionary background. The study aims to quantify the morphometric criterion for the maxillary first molar giving a special emphasis to sexual dimorphism. Measurements of the first maxillary molar were taken on 100 casts of Jat Sikh students (50 males, 50 females) studying in the local medical college in the age group of 17-21 years. The Jat Sikh community of Punjab is endogamous at the caste level. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare the samples for males and females. There is statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P < 0.01) for the maxillary first molar’s crown and cusp components in the Jat Sikhs. The sequence of dimorphism in cusp dimensions corresponds to the order of formation of the cusps. The percentage sexual dimorphism for the hypocone is high (right 7.2%, left 7.4%).

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Aim:To evaluate the surface alterations seen in four kinds of Nickel–Titanium (Ni–Ti) instruments using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for five successive uses in preparing root canals of extracted human molars and also to determine whether the design of the instrument influenced the appearance of defects on the instrument surface.Materials and Methods:Four different types of instruments namely; ProFile, ProTaper Rotary, ProTaper Hand and K3 Endo were used in 300 mesio-buccal canals. The instruments were examined under the SEM, after every use, to assess the progress of changes on their surfaces for a maximum of five uses.Statistical analysis used:Chi-square test.Results:The most prevalent defects observed were pitting, followed by metal strips. Signs of discontinuity, microfractures and disruption of cutting edge were also evident. Number of defects increased with successive uses.Conclusions:ProTaper Hand showed significantly more microfractures and metal strips than other instruments from third use onwards. ProTaper Rotary and K3 Endo also showed significant changes.

RoekoSeal had the better sealing ability than GuttaFlow and may be recommended for clinical use.