Dental Shade Matching and Value Discernment Abilities of First-Year Dental Students.

PURPOSE: To determine if Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test, Perceptual Ability Test, gender, age, ethnicity, and time predict dental shade matching and value discernment in first-year dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test was administered to 95 first-year-dental students beneath a Judge II booth (color temperature of 6500°K, and color rendering index of 90). Students also arranged 16 masked shade tabs from a Vita Classic shade guide by value (lightest to darkest) and matched together 16 pairs of masked shade tabs from two Vita Classic shade guides. Ethnicity, age, Perceptual Ability Test scores, gender, and time to complete the tests were recorded. Associations and correlations were investigated using chi-square, Tukey-Kramer HSD, standard least square, and multilinear regression (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Total error scores on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test ranged from 0 to 144. Forty-eight students exhibited superior color acuity, 45 average, and two poor. The mean number of correct answers for matching shade tabs together was 11.6, and 6.1 for arranging the shade tabs by value. Females performed statistically better than males on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test and shade tab matching. Better color discrimination identified by lower total error scores on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test was directly correlated to greater ability to match shade tabs together. Perceptual Ability Test scores had slight significance. As the scores increased there was slightly better performance on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test. Older participants performed better than younger subjects on the value test. No other correlations were significant for any of the tests. CONCLUSIONS: Females and individuals who performed better on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test have improved dental shade-matching ability.

Evaluation of reliability and validity of three dental color-matching devices.

PURPOSE: To assess the repeatability and accuracy of three dental color-matching devices under standardized and freehand measurement conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two shade guides (Vita Classical A1-D4, Vita; and Vita Toothguide 3D-Master, Vita), and three color-matching devices (Easyshade, Vita; SpectroShade, MHT Optic Research; and ShadeVision, X-Rite) were used. Five shade tabs were selected from the Vita Classical A1-D4 (A2, A3.5, B1, C4, D3), and five from the Vita Toothguide 3D-Master (1M1, 2R1.5, 3M2, 4L2.5, 5M3) shade guides. Each shade tab was recorded 15 continuous, repeated times with each device under two different measurement conditions (standardized, and freehand). Both qualitative (color shade) and quantitative (L, a, and b) color characteristics were recorded. The color difference (ΔE) of each recorded value with the known values of the shade tab was calculated. The repeatability of each device was evaluated by the coefficient of variance. The accuracy of each device was determined by comparing the recorded values with the known values of the reference shade tab (one sample t test; α = 0.05). The agreement between the recorded shade and the reference shade tab was calculated. The influence of the parameters (devices and conditions) on the parameter ΔE was investigated (two-way ANOVA). Comparison of the devices was performed with Bonferroni pairwise post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: Under standardized conditions, repeatability of all three devices was very good, except for ShadeVision with Vita Classical A1-D4. Accuracy ranged from good to fair, depending on the device and the shade guide. Under freehand conditions, repeatability and accuracy for Easyshade and ShadeVision were negatively influenced, but not for SpectroShade, regardless of the shade guide. CONCLUSION: Based on the total of the color parameters assessed per device, SpectroShade was the most reliable of the three color-matching devices studied.

Selecting VITA classical shades with the VITA 3D-master shade guide.

PURPOSE: Although the VITA 3D-Master (3D) shade guide offers improved shade-matching performance, many dental materials are only available in VITA Classical (VC) shades. This study aimed to clarify whether it is possible to convert 3D shades determined by observers into VC shades (indirect method) without adding a clinically significant error in comparison with direct shade determination using the VC shade guide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ceramic specimens were fabricated. L*a*b* values were recorded using a spectroradiometer. Sixty participants (35 dentists, 15 technicians, and 10 students) were recruited and asked to determine the shades of specimens using the VC and 3D shade guides under standardized conditions. Conversion tables were constructed by allocating the closest VC shade tab to every matched 3D shade and by use of an optimization algorithm (indirect methods). Differences between ΔE values for VC matches and for the indirect methods were evaluated using t tests. RESULTS: A mean ΔE (SD) of 4.34 (2.00) for VC and 4.22 (2.21) for 3D was observed (P = .040). Compared with direct shade matching using VC, the indirect method with the optimized tables resulted in a mean ΔE of 4.32 (1.96), which was not significantly different (P = .586). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the conversion tables were suitable for the determination of tooth color using the 3D shade guide followed by conversion into VC shades without adding a clinically significant error.

Evaluating factors that affect the shade-matching ability of dentists, dental staff members and laypeople.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study to evaluate the influence of dentists' and nondentists' experience, age, sex, eye color and use of eyeglasses or contact lenses on tooth shade-matching ability. METHODS: The authors included 120 participants in this study conducted in Istanbul (periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, pediatric dentists, prosthodontists, restorative dentists, general dentists in private practice, dental technicians, dental assistants, dental assistant students and laypeople). The authors assigned participants to one of three groups: group 1 was composed of prosthodontists, restorative dentists and dental technicians; group 2 consisted of other dental specialists and general dentists; and group 3 included dental assistants, dental assistant students and laypeople. The authors asked participants to match the shades of three artificial maxillary right central incisors (Vitapan acrylic teeth [shades 2L1.5, 1M2, 2R1.5], Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) by using a shade guide system (Vita Toothguide 3D-Master, Vita Zahnfabrik). They calculated shade matching for the three color components (value, hue, chroma) and analyzed the results by using a chi(2) test. RESULTS: The rate of success in matching the shade for IM2 was 53.3 percent for participants in group 1, 30 percent for participants in group 2 and 20 percent for participants in group 3 (P = .017). However, there were no significant differences between the three groups for shades 2L1.5 and 2R1.5. Professional experience (P = .003) and age (P = .027) were associated with shade-matching success for tooth shade 2L1.5 only. The results showed no statistically significant differences with respect to sex, eye color or use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS: Dental care professionals who routinely performed restorative procedures matched the shades better than did participants in other groups. Professional experience was associated positively with the outcome, while sex, eye color and use of eyeglasses or contact lenses did not have any effect on shade-matching results. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: To improve shade-matching skills, clinicians should participate in hands-on courses, continuing education classes and other training programs.

Quantification of the esthetics of dentists' before and after photographs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure dentists' before and after restorative treatment photographs to identify four metrics to describe the esthetic improvement: (a) central incisor width-to-height ratio; (b) central-to-lateral incisor width ratio; (c) lateral incisor-to-canine width ratio; and (d) lateral incisor percentage offset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internet searches for "before after" and "veneers" and "prosthodontic" were used to obtain 198 before and after photographs of patient treatments showing the restoration of the six maxillary anterior teeth with porcelain veneers, crowns or a combination. The four metrics were measured using Adobe Photoshop. Groups were compared with repeated measures ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey-Kramer test with the variables of "Before or After Treatment"; "Treatment Type" (veneers, crowns or a combination) and "General Dentist or Prosthodontist". RESULTS: Mean central incisor width-to-height ratio was 91.7% before treatment, 80.8% after; mean central-to-lateral incisor width ratios were 69.9% and 64.7%; mean lateral incisor-to-canine width ratios were 85.3% and 81.4% and lateral incisor percentage offsets were 9.6% and 8.7%. There were significant (p<0.05) differences for before and after treatment for all variables except central-to-lateral incisor width ratio. Differences between specialist and general dentist were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: On average, esthetic prosthetic treatment resulted in reduced central incisor width-to-height ratio, increased proportional width of the mesially positioned tooth of adjacent anterior teeth and reduced lateral incisor offset. The mean values of treatments by GPs and prosthodontists were not statistically significantly different. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of dentists' optimal restorative treatments provides insight on the esthetic outcome of extensive prosthodontic therapy.

Does gender and experience influence shade matching quality?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of gender and level of experience on shade matching quality. METHODS: A study was simultaneously performed at 15 universities located in 9 countries. A total of 614 color normal participants completed all phases of the experiment. Among them, there were 305 females and 309 males, 319 dental students and 295 dental professionals. A lecture on color matching in dentistry was given to all participants. Initial training was performed using Toothguide Trainer software (TT), while Toothguide Training Box (TTB) was used for both training and testing of participants' shade matching results. The test task was to successively match 15 shade guide tabs with the corresponding shade guide. The shade matching score for each participant was computed as a sum of color differences (SigmaDeltaE(ab)(*) score) between target tabs and selected tabs. Lower scores corresponded to better shade matching results and vice versa. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis of the data (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The mean shade matching score (S.D.) for all participants was 41 (21). The score for female and male participants was 38 (20) and 44 (21), respectfully (p<0.001). The difference in scores between dental students, 42 (20), and dental professionals, 39 (21), was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, females achieved significantly better shade matching results than males, indicating that gender plays an important role in shade matching. The level of experience was not found to be significant factor in shade matching.

Development of a whiteness index for dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop a new whiteness index which correlates to perception of tooth whiteness. METHODS: Psychophysical experiments were conducted by a panel of observers under a standard viewing condition as well as under typical clinical viewing conditions. Various existing whiteness and yellowness indices were compared with regard to their ability to measure the perceived whiteness of human teeth. The Pearson coefficient of determination and '% wrong decision' method were used to determine the best index for tooth whiteness measurement. RESULTS: A new whiteness formula (WIO) was developed by optimising the original CIE whiteness formula (WIC) and it was found that WIO gave the best performance for predicting tooth whiteness based on the laboratory results. A total of 88 NHS patients repeated the same visual experiments under typical clinical viewing conditions. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the finding that the new whiteness formula is appropriate for the prediction of tooth whiteness.

Performance assessment of dental shade guides.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate influence of different shade guides and respective shade matching methods on shade matching results and to analyze user satisfaction with these products and methods. METHODS: Eighty-eight pre-doctoral dental students completed the study. The color of four target shade tabs was matched using Toothguide 3D-Master (TG), Vitapan Classical (VC), and the prototype of Linearguide 3D-Master (LG). Shade matching was performed using color-corrected light source and 0/45 degrees optical geometry. An intra-oral spectrophotometer was used for color measurements of target tabs and shade guide tabs. Results for the first 10 best matching shade guide tabs were expressed as ranks (best match - 10 points to 10th match - 1 point). Participants also performed subjective evaluation of three shade guides/tab arrangements. Descriptive statistics were calculated. T-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis of the data (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The best shade matching results were achieved using LG, followed by VC and TG, and the ranks were 9.1+/-1.2, 8.8+/-1.9 and 8.4+/-2.8. Differences in DeltaE* values for the first 10 matches between TG/LG (4.5+/-1.8) and VC (6.2+/-2.2) were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Subjective evaluation revealed significant advantage of LG compared to TG and VC. CONCLUSIONS: Linearguide 3D-Master enabled better shade matching results compared to Toothguide 3D-Master (p<0.05). Both 3D-Master shade guides exhibited significantly smaller DeltaE* values for the first 10 matches compared to Vitapan Classical (p<0.001). Linearguide 3D-Master was superior in a subjective evaluation compared to Toothguide 3D-Master and Vitapan Classical (p<0.001).

Visual and instrumental agreement in dental shade selection: three distinct observer populations and shade matching protocols.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the hypothesis that the agreement between observer visual dental shade matches and instrumental shade identification is higher using the Vita 3D-Master (3D) shade guide than the Vita classical (VC) shade guide. METHODS: Three populations selected shade matches: non-dental observers (GP) matched shade tabs-to-tabs and dental students (DS) and dentists (DD) matched an in vivo natural right upper central incisor (RUCI). All observers (n=600) used both shade guides (3D and VC) in two lighting conditions, cool white fluorescent lighting (CWF) and natural sunlight (NSL). The shade tabs and natural teeth were identified using an intra-oral spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade) to determine the instrumental agreement with the visual shade selection. The percent visual-instrumental shade agreement (PVIA) was analyzed statistically considering: observer population, shade guide set, and lighting condition. RESULTS: A "substantial" intra-examiner agreement (k=0.76) was observed. The PVIA ranged from 12% (DS) for the 3D-NSL condition to 42% (DD) with the VC-CWF condition, which also resulted in the highest PVIA for GP (38.5%) and DS (35%). Results indicated that the GP with neither dental knowledge nor shade guide experience had a significantly higher PVIA using the VC rather than the 3D shade guide. Dentists demonstrated the highest PVIA (42%) for both lighting conditions and shade guides, thereby rejecting the study hypothesis. SIGNIFICANCE: A significantly higher visual-instrumental shade agreement was demonstrated by the clinically experienced dentists (DD), regardless of shade guides and lighting conditions.

Accelerated aging effects on color and translucency of bleaching-shade composites.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the influence of accelerated aging on the color and translucency parameter (TP) of bleaching-shade resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three bleaching shades and two control conventional shades of microhybrid (MH) and microfill (MF) resin composite specimens (n = 5) were aged in an accelerated aging chamber set to standard CAM 180 cycles. One side of each specimen was evaluated for surface color and TP changes compared with baseline in increments of 150 kJ/m2 for intervals up to 450 kJ/m2 using a spectrophotometer. A deltaE* > or = 3.7 was considered to be a poor match, and the total TP range was divided into three equal parts representing low, medium, and high translucency. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, deltaL*, deltaa*, deltab*, and deltaE* ranges at 450 kJ/m2 were -0.8 to 5.0, -0.6 to 1.2, -8.3 to 0.0, and 0.7 to 8.6 for MH and 0.2 to 1.3, 0.1 to 1.3, -2.5 to 1.1, and 1.7 to 2.7 for MF composites. Scheffé's S intervals (p = .05) for comparisons of deltaL*, deltaa*, deltab*, and deltaE* values of MH composites between baseline and 450 kJ/m2 were 1.6, 0.6, 1.7, and 1.5, respectively. Corresponding Tukey-Kramer intervals for MF composites were 0.7, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.6, respectively. TP values at baseline ranged from 0.9 to 4.3 for MH and from 1.4 to 2.2 for MF composites, whereas deltaTP for baseline minus 450 kJ/m2 ranged from -1.1 to 1.7 for MH and from -0.1 to 0.3 for MF composites. Scheffé's S interval (p = .05) for comparisons of deltaTP values of MH composites for baseline minus 450 kJ/m2 was 1.0. Corresponding Tukey-Kramer interval for MF composites was 0.4. CONCLUSIONS: Aging-dependent color changes at 450 kJ/m2 were above the limit that indicated a poor match for 18/26 MH, while corresponding values for microfills were within acceptable range. Accelerated aging generally caused decreases in L* (specimens became darker) and a* values (specimens became redder), while b* values increased (specimens became more chromatic) for both MH and MF composites. TP was relatively stable during aging for both MH and MF composites.

Color stability of denture base acrylic resins in three food colorants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Three commonly used artificial dyes in food technology are erythrosine, tartrazine, and sunset yellow. PURPOSE: The color stability of 5 commercially available denture base acrylic resins (QC-20, Meliodent, Trevalon, Trevalon High, and Lucitone) was studied in vitro. METHODS: The specimens were exposed to 3% erythrosine, tartrazine, and sunset yellow solutions at 23 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C. Color changes were determined with a computer-controlled spectrophotometer. Five specimens from each material were processed, and initial color measurements were made after 1, 3, and 6 months of exposure to the staining solutions. Finally, the color stability was quantitatively measured again, and color differences (DeltaE) were calculated. RESULTS: For the observations made in 1, 3, and 6 months intervals, the specimens that exhibited the least color change were in the sunset yellow solution. The greatest color changes observed according to the National Bureau of Standards unit system were Lucitone (2.71) in erythrosine solution, Lucitone (2.54), QC-20 (1.71) in tartrazine solution, and QC-20 (1.66) in sunset yellow solution. The changes in the other acrylic resins in the 3 solutions were slight and at trace level. CONCLUSIONS: All materials tested were acceptable from the standpoint of color stability for long-term exposure to these food colorants.

Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part I: colorant effect on physical properties.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The average clinical life span of a maxillofacial prosthesis is approximately 6 months, at which point it needs to be refabricated, mainly because of degradation of the color and physical properties of the prosthesis. PURPOSE: This first part of a 3-part study evaluated the effect of coloring agents on the physical properties of maxillofacial elastomers. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Five dumbbell-shaped and 5 trouser-shaped specimens were fabricated for each of the combinations of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorants (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no-colorants), for a total of 180 specimens. Evaluations of hardness and tear strength were made with the trouser-shaped specimens. Evaluations of the ultimate tensile strength and the percentage elongation were made with the dumbbell-shaped specimens. A within elastomer analysis compared the 6 colorants using a 1-way analysis of variance for each of the 4 physical properties. When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was used to identify differences between groups at a significance level of.05. RESULTS: Physical properties of maxillofacial elastomers were changed by the incorporation of coloring agents. Dry earth pigments, kaolin, and rayon flocking acted as a solid filler without bonding to the Silicone, and artists' oils and liquid cosmetics acted as a liquid phase without bonding to the silicone matrix. CONCLUSION: No clearly superior colorant-elastomer combination was demonstrated in all the tests in this study.

Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part II: weathering effect on physical properties.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The clinical life of a maxillofacial prosthesis averages about 6 months, before it needs to be refabricated. Degradation of the color and physical properties of the prosthesis are the principle reasons for replacement. PURPOSE: This second part of a 3-part in vitro investigation evaluated the change in physical properties of popular colorant-elastomer combinations as a result of weather exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen dumbbell-shaped and 15 trouser-shaped specimens were fabricated for each of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorant combinations (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no-colorants) for a total of 540 specimens. The 15 dumbbell-shaped and trouser-shaped specimens of each elastomer colorant combination were separated into 5 of each shape among 3 test condition groups (control, time passage, and natural weathering). Control specimens were evaluated within 1 month of fabrication. The time passage group was sealed in glass containers and kept in the dark for 6 months before testing. The natural-weathering groups were placed on the roof of the dental school for 6 months and exposed to sunlight and weathering. Evaluations of hardness and tear strength were made on trouser-shaped specimens, and evaluations of the ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation on dumbbell-shaped specimens. Physical property data for each elastomer-colorant combination were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine effects among the test conditions. When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to identify differences in elastomer-colorant combinations among each test condition at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Exposure to weathering and time changes of the physical properties of many colorant-elastomer combinations indicated that properties of a clinical prosthesis can change with time. CONCLUSION: The addition of colorants to the silicones altered the effects of weathering. In addition, the silicones were not as stable as previously assumed.

Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part III: weathering effect on color.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Maxillofacial prostheses are serviceable for approximately 6 months, after which they need to be refabricated because of the deterioration of color and physical properties. PURPOSE: This third article in a 3-part series evaluated the color stability of commonly used colorant-elastomer combinations as a result of exposure to weathering. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Fifteen specimens were fabricated for each of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorants (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no colorant) for a total of 270 specimens (18 groups of 15 specimens). The 15 specimens of each elastomer-colorant combination were separated into 3 test condition groups (control, time passage, and natural weathering) of 5 specimens per test condition group. Control specimens were evaluated within 1 month of fabrication. The time passage group was sealed in glass containers and kept in the dark for 6 months before testing. The natural weathering groups were placed on the roof of the dental school for 6 months and exposed to sunlight and weathering. Color and optical density data for each elastomer-colorant combination were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine effects among test conditions (control, time passage, and weathering). When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to identify differences in elastomer-colorant combinations among each test condition at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Changes in color, as a result of weathering, were noted in many of the colorant-elastomer combinations. Also, color change occurred not only to the colored, but also to uncolored materials over time without exposure to weathering. CONCLUSION: Clinically, the addition of colorants could have a stabilizing effect on the elastomer color when it is exposed to weathering.

Color stability of heat-polymerized and autopolymerized soft denture liners.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The physical and mechanical properties of soft denture liners are influenced by a number of factors. Aging is one factor that has an effect on the characteristics of polymers. The resistance of denture liners to aging can potentially influence the color stability of these liners. PURPOSE: This study attempted to determine the color stability of soft liners by subjecting them to an in vitro accelerated aging test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two autopolymerizing and 3 heat polymerizing commercially available soft denture lining materials were tested. Seven sample disks were made of each material according to manufacturers' instructions. Color measurements were recorded before and after the accelerated aging process. Color changes (DeltaE) were calculated by measuring tristimulus values at several wavelengths in the visual spectrum with the use of Commission International de l'Eclairge Lab (CIE-LAB) uniform color scale. RESULTS: Kruskall-Wallis variance analysis and Mann-Whitney U-Wilcoxon rank sum W tests were performed for statistical comparison of the DeltaE values. Ufigel P and Simpa liner materials showed significantly greater color changes than the other tested materials. There were no significant differences in color change among Ufigel L-Molloplast B, Ufigel L-Flexor, and Molloplast B-Flexor liner materials. However, a significant difference in color change was found between Ufigel P and Simpa liners. CONCLUSION: Heat-polymerized soft liners were more color stable than autopolymerized soft liners. No significant differences were found among heat polymerized materials; however, significant differences in color change were found between the 2 autopolymerized liners.

Color stability of provisional resin restorative materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Use of temporary crowns and fixed partial dentures is especially relevant when the treatment plan requires restorations for long interim periods, and the in-service discoloration of provisional restorative materials is a major drawback. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the discoloration effect of coffee and tea on some materials that are commonly used in the fabrication of provisional restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six commercially available provisional resins (Jet, Caulk TBR, Protemp Garant, Luxatemp Solar, Provipont DC and SR-Ivocron-PE) were evaluated after 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days of immersion in various staining solutions. Color measurements were obtained by using a Dr Lange Micro Color tristimulus colorimeter and color differences (delta E*) were estimated. RESULTS: The 2 chemically activated resins (Jet and Caulk TBR) and the heat-cured resin (SR-Ivocron PE) exhibited the least color changes, whereas the Provipont-DC resin was the least color stable. After immersion for 30 days, the combination with the coffee solution resulted in unacceptable discoloration for all the tested materials. CONCLUSIONS: Provisional restorative materials, staining solutions, and immersion time were significant factors that affected color stability. After immersion for 7 days, all materials showed observable color changes. The composite-based materials, especially light-curing composites, were the least color stable. The coffee solution exhibited more staining capacity than the tea solution.

Evaluation of visual and instrument shade matching.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Visual color matching to determine shades in dentistry is inconsistent and unreliable. If accurate, instrumental measurement of tooth color would provide objective, quantified data to match natural teeth to clinical shade guides. PURPOSE: This study evaluated and compared the ability of a new computerized colorimeter and a simple visual test to match ceramic shade guide teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one (n = 31) observers with normal color vision were allowed unlimited time to match one set of Vita Lumin shade guide teeth to the corresponding shade guide teeth of a second Vita Lumin shade guide. The same test was administered to 14 of the observers several months later to determine within-subject variability. A computerized colorimeter (Colortron II) equipped with a positioning guide was used to measure the middle third of each shade guide tooth. Through a "match tool" present in the computer's software, readings from one shade guide were matched with readings of the other shade guide by using CIELAB measurements and DeltaE values. The mean number of correct matches by the colorimeter and of correct matches in visual test were compared with a 1-tailed t test. Repeatability for both tests was determined with a paired t test. RESULTS: The Colortron II instrument correctly matched 8 of the 16 tabs (50% correct), whereas visual matching by examiners averaged 7. 7 of 16 correct matches (48% correct) (standard deviation 2.7). No statistically significant differences existed between the 2 methods. The colorimeter demonstrated 100% repeatability and the visual test demonstrated fair repeatability (correlation coefficient r =.60). CONCLUSIONS: Shade determination by visual means was inconsistent. Accuracy of a new colorimeter in matching porcelain shade guide teeth was only slightly better.

Colour stability of visible light-curing hybrid composites.

The colour stability of six visible light-curing fine hybrid composites was evaluated after 24 and 120 hours of irradiation using a xenon lamp. Discoloration of four shades of each material (A1, A2, A3.5 and B2- Vita shade guide) was measured using a reflection spectrophotometer with the CIE-L*a*b* system. The discoloration after 24 hours of irradiation had values of between 0.7 and 3.8 DE*, and was therefore, with the exception of Z 100 (colours A1 and B2), clinically acceptable. The results showed that the differences in colour of all shades of Pekafill NF and Tetric tested were significantly less than those of the other products. All samples, with the exception of Pekafill NF (A3.5 and B2), showed increased discoloration to values of 3.7 to 7.8 DE* after 120 hours of exposure to UV light. In general, all the composites tended to become more yellow (b*), darker (L*) and slightly greener (a*).

Color stability of facial prostheses.

The limited service of facial prostheses is the result of degradation of the elastomer and color instability. Deterioration may be caused by many factors, which include environmental exposure and changes in humidity. This investigation assessed the efficacy of an additive, intrinsic, broad-spectrum ultraviolet light absorber on the color stability of a pigmented facial elastomer. Samples were weathered artificially and outdoors at exposure levels of radiant energy of 150 to 450 kJ/m2. The samples changed color slightly but perceptibly. Artificial aging caused a greater change than outdoor aging. The ultraviolet light absorber UV-5411 did not protect the samples from color changes.