Visual Tooth Color Determination with Different Reference Scales as an Exercise in Dental Students’ Education

Abstract

Visual color determination (VCD) requires color competence and individual training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deviations in students’ VCD with two different reference scales. The research hypothesis was that none of the color references would provide a better result. Participants evaluated nine templates randomly using two reference scales (VITA-classical (VC) and 3D-Master-Toothguide (3DM_TG)). The color distance to the chosen color (ΔEab) was calculated in the CIELAB 2000. The sum’s changes in the parameters (LCh°) represented the target variable. Results were evaluated with non-parametric, rank-scaled methods, utilizing the median with a 25%-75% quartile. The significance level (α = 0.05) is determined using the Student’s t-test. The mean ± 95%CI (SD) was −1.27 ± −1.09 (3.18); the median ΔE00 was −1.49 (−1.97; 0.96) for dC3DM_TG. The determination with VC showed noticeable differences (dCVC), with a mean ΔE00 of 0.00 ± 0.00 (2.20) and a median ΔE00 of 0.00 (1.17; 1.71). The standard error was 0.19 for the dCVC and 0.27 for the dC3DM_TG. dC3DM_TG vs. dCVC showed significant differences at p < 0.001. The dental student’s VCD resulted in color deviations, regardless of the reference template used. The color deviations in hue and chroma were comparable, regardless of the reference scale. VCD’s early implementation in dental education is useful to avoid shade misjudgments and potentially expensive remakes of dentures.

Visual Versus Digital Color Determination of 3D-Printed Teeth as an Exercise in Dental Students’ Education

“…Visual and a digital color determination were conducted by each participant for each specimen. For visual color matching, a reference scale (3D-Master Toothguide (3DM_TG), Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) [47] was used, while the digital color determination was conducted with the help of a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade V (ES_V), Vita Zahnfabrik) [1] (Figures 1 and 2). Visual color determination was conducted in dental treatment rooms under constant natural light at lunchtime, supported by room lighting.…”

“…Composition Manufacturer sterification products of 4,4′-isopropylidiphenol, ethoxylated and 2-methylpropenoic acid, silanized dental glass, methyl benzoylformate, diphenyl (2,4,6-trimehylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide, 30-50 wt%-inorganic fillers; particle size 0.7 µm BEGO, Bremen, Germany Visual and a digital color determination were conducted by each participant for each specimen. For visual color matching, a reference scale (3D-Master Toothguide (3DM_TG), Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) [47] was used, while the digital color determination was conducted with the help of a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade V (ES_V), Vita Zahnfabrik) [1] (Figures 1 and 2). Visual color determination was conducted in dental treatment rooms under constant natural light at lunchtime, supported by room lighting.…”