Intervening Factors in Tooth Color Assessment

Intervening Factors in Tooth Color Assessment

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of several factors (light, extrinsic stain removal and operator's experience) in tooth color assessment. Tooth color will be assessed by two different operators with visual shade guides under standardized light conditions and using a light correcting device (Smile Lite) or with a dental spectrophotometer in human subjects. Color measurement will be made before and 1 week after dental prophylaxis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Capability to sign the informed consent
• Presence of upper teeth canines and central incisors, free of tooth decay, dental fillings, endodontic treatment or fixed rehabilitation
• Tooth color at least A3 in one of the included teeth
• Teeth should be possible to be subject to tooth color assessment with the predefined methods (color within the visual shade guides range)
• Absence of fixed orthodontic appliances or severe tooth structure anomalies

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant patients
• Patients subjected to professional dental prophylaxis in less than 4 months