Tooth Shade Matching

Tooth shade matching is a traditional method used by dentists to determine the exact color of a patient's teeth for procedures like crowns, veneers, or fillings.

The Shade Guide
The primary tool for non-computerized tooth shade matching is the shade guide. This is a physical set of porcelain or plastic tabs that mimic a range of tooth colors. These tabs are organized based on hue, chroma, and value, which are the three properties that determine a color.

• Hue: The basic color, such as red, yellow, or gray.
• Chroma: The intensity or saturation of the color.
• Value: The lightness or darkness of the color.

The Matching Process

• Isolation: The dentist isolates the tooth to be matched from surrounding influences, such as saliva, blood, or artificial lighting.
• Light Conditions: The matching process is typically performed under natural light or standardized artificial light to ensure accuracy.
• Comparison: The dentist compares the tooth to the shade guide, carefully considering the hue, chroma, and value.
• Selection: The dentist selects the shade tab that most closely matches the tooth color.