Comparison of colour components between maxillary central incisors - an in vivo study

• Published in: South African Dental Journal Vol. 70; no. 1; pp. 6 - 10
• Main Authors: Moodley, DS, Grobler, SR, Osman, Yl, Kotze, TJvW
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: The South African Dental Association (SADA) 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Biology; Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine; Health Care Sciences & Services; Health Policy & Services; Medicine, General & Internal; Medicine, Research & Experimental; CIELAB; spectrophotometer; Lab; incisors; Colour
• ISSN: 0375-1562

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of colour in the CIE L*a*b* scale between the maxillary central incisors. METHODS: The colour of the maxillary central incisors of 83 patients was measured (in vivo) using a spectrophotometer. Three measurements (6 mm diameter) at the centre of the crown of each of the maxillary central incisors were performed. RESULTS: The total colour difference (∆E*ab) showed wide variability with the average ∆E*ab = 1.79. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between maxillary right (11) and left central incisors (21) in both the L* and b* colour components. In the a* scale no significant difference was noted. CONCLUSION: Small colour differences exist between the maxillary central incisors in the same individual when evaluated with a spectrophotometer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As there is often a difference between the colours of the two central incisors in the same patient, the colour of both the central incisors should be taken into consideration when shade matching anterior teeth.