The Role of Intraoral Scanners in the Shade Matching Process: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose The variation in findings with regards to the accuracy and precision of intraoral scanners for shade selection are no doubt confusing for clinicians who may find it difficult to make evidence‐based decisions. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive and in‐depth assessment of available studies to determine the viability of using intraoral scanners for the purpose of shade matching. The PICO‐guided research question is as follows: when shade matching, are intraoral scanners as valid as visual or other digital shade measuring devices in determining tooth colors. Methods Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Cochrane, and ProQuest were systematically searched for articles published between January 1, 2011 and December 30, 2021 using the main search terms: “intraoral scanners,” “scanners,” “TRIOS,” “CEREC,” “Planmeca,” “Medit,” “digital dentistry” in concurrence with one of the following keywords: “EasyShade” OR “shade selection” OR “shade matching” OR “shade” OR “tooth color” OR “tooth shade” OR “digital shade matching.” Bibliographies of included articles and the following journals were searched for relevant articles: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, and Journal of Dentistry. A total of 15 articles were included in the review. Results Intraoral scanners are highly repeatable for shade matching, and outperformed visual shade matching. Accuracy varied significantly between studies, with the majority recommending the use of visual shade matching to confirm/verify the intraoral scanner results. Setting intraoral scanners to the Vita 3D Master shade guide improved both accuracy and precision. Shade matching with intraoral scanners may be influenced by external factors such as ambient light sources and incorrect use or manipulation. Conclusion Intraoral scanners set to the Vita 3D Master shade guide may be used for shade matching, but shade should be verified with visual shade matching. Further studies are required to address limitations of current studies.

Performance of the caries diagnosis feature of intraoral scanners and near‐infrared imaging technology—A narrative review

“…When intraoral scanners are used to obtain digital impressions or for shade matching, several factors can influence the accuracy of outcomes. These include technology and system selection, ambient lighting conditions, operator experience, wetness, and existing restorations 61,62 . The effects of these factors on the ability of intraoral scanners to diagnose caries have not been extensively studied.…”

Ceramic veneer shade evaluation using a multicolored 3D‐printed model—A case report

“…Although the results from different studies are conflicting, recent systematic reviews on intraoral scanners' color capturing accuracy concluded that intraoral scanners showed high precision, but inconclusive trueness in shade selection. 26,27 Application of multicolor 3D-printing using material jetting technology is relatively new in dentistry. It was reported that color reproduction accuracy of multicolor material jetting printers met the criterion of color quality in everyday contexts with various illumination.…”

“…The color capturing accuracy of the intraoral scanners has been studied extensively. Although the results from different studies are conflicting, recent systematic reviews on intraoral scanners' color capturing accuracy concluded that intraoral scanners showed high precision, but inconclusive trueness in shade selection 26,27 . Application of multicolor 3D‐printing using material jetting technology is relatively new in dentistry.…”

A step‐by‐step technique to create an ideal color match, form, and surface texture to all‐ceramic restorations

“…The use of commercial shade guides usually leads to unreliable and inconsistent results 1–3 . To overcome this problem, some authors have recommended the use of two or more shade guides 4–16 . Additionally, as the prepared tooth shade influences the final shade of ceramic restorations (Figures 1 and 2), in an attempt to mimic the prepared tooth shade, dental manufacturers introduced to the market a natural color die material with a special dentin shade guide 17–21 .…”

“…problem, some authors have recommended the use of two or more shade guides. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Additionally, as the prepared tooth shade influences the final shade of ceramic restorations (Figures 1 and 2), in an attempt to mimic the prepared tooth shade, dental manufacturers introduced to the market a natural color die material with a special dentin shade guide. [17][18][19][20][21] Fabricating a custom-made shade guide by using different porcelain powder combinations might be helpful.…”