Effectiveness of Lighting Conditions on Shade Matching Accuracy Among Dental Students
<b>Background</b>: In prosthodontics, achieving esthetic success requires precise shade matching of restorations to natural teeth. This study evaluated the shade-matching abilities of fourth-year dental students using different tools and conditions in laboratory (LB) and clinical (CL) se...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Dentistry Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/13/3/130 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: In prosthodontics, achieving esthetic success requires precise shade matching of restorations to natural teeth. This study evaluated the shade-matching abilities of fourth-year dental students using different tools and conditions in laboratory (LB) and clinical (CL) settings. <b>Methods</b>: In the LB setting, students matched blinded shade tabs to the VITA classical shade guide under natural daylight (ND), artificial light (AL), and a polarized filter (PF). In the CL setting, they determined the shades of patients’ central incisors using the same conditions. Participants also completed a questionnaire about their experience. <b>Results</b>: Quantitative analysis showed better shade matching in the LB setting, particularly with the PF (52% correct), compared to ND (50%) and AL (43%). In the CL setting, overall accuracy dropped to 32% across all conditions. No results were statistically significant. Qualitative feedback revealed that students found the spectrophotometer to have improved their accuracy and reliability compared to the ND and AL conditions. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study highlights the importance of incorporating technology as a validation tool in dental practice. Leveraging tools like spectrophotometers may enhance shade-matching accuracy, streamline processes, and improve patient satisfaction while balancing traditional methods with technological advancements. |
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| ISSN: | 2304-6767 |