Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Lighting Conditions on the Shade Selection of Ceramics using Visual Method

Background: Tooth shade selection in prosthodontic restorations largely affects the patient satisfaction. Natural daylight is considered as the most recommended and standard source for shade selection. However, due to its inconsistency, shade matching lights have been introduced as an attempt to standardize the effect of light source.

Objectives: Comparative evaluation of the effects of daylight, shade matching light and dental operating light against the grey background on visual shade matching of natural teeth with VITA Classic shade guide. Daylight will be taken as the control group.

Methodology: Shade matching will be conducted in a well illuminated area with grey background. A group of 5 observers with superior color discrimination competence as determined by Pseudo Isochromatic colour test will be chosen for teeth shade matching. The matching will be carried out for 125 subjects under the three lighting conditions. The visual assessment will be done by matching the shade of maxillary central incisor of the subject with VITA Classic shade guide. Comparison will be done for two lighting conditions, each observer will perform this test three times that is for grey background in daylight, shade matching light and dental operatory light.

Expected Results: This study will determine the lighting condition that could be used as a possible alternative of daylight.

Conclusion: It will depict the lighting conditions that will best help the clinician to select the shade that will enhance the esthetics of the prosthesis and restorations.