The Science of Color, Light and Shade Selection

Presented by Lisa Fedor James D.D.S.

Outline
Light and Color
Description of Light
Quality of light

Description of Color
Hue, Chroma, Value Munsell Color System

Factors influencing perception

The eye (rods and cones) Deceptive color perception Color Blindness

Shade selection
Techniques for determining shade / Shade guides Shade mapping

Visible electromagnetic energy whose wavelength is measured in nanometers (nm)

Without Light Color Does Not Exist

A yellow object absorbs all lightwaves of all colors, but reflects yellow

Color
Influenced by three main factors
1. Physical properties of the object
2. Assessment of the observer 3. Nature of incident light Relationship to other colored objects

Light
Part of the electromagnetic spectrum The eye is only sensitive to the visible portion of the spectrum (380 750nm) Different wavelengths constitute the different colors we perceive

Pure White Light

Relatively equal quantities of electromagnetic energy over the VLS + + + + + +
=

When passed through a prism we see component colors of white light

Shorter wavelengths bend more than longer wavelengths

380nm 750nm

Quality of Light / 3 Types

1. Incandescent Light 2. Fluorescent Light 3. Natural Daylight

Most dental offices are outfitted with incandescent and fluorescent lights

1. Incandescent Light
Emits high concentration of yellow waves Not suitable for shade matching Low Color Rendering Index (CRI)

2. Fluorescent Light
Emits high concentration of blue waves Not suitable for shade matching CRI =(50-80)

3. Natural Daylight
Northern daylight considered the best Closest to emitting the full spectrum of white light Used as the standard by which to judge other light sources CRI close to 100

Color Rendering Index

CRI = (0-100)

Indicates how well a light source renders color as compared to a standard source (N. Daylight)
Northern daylight (hence CRI) can be affected by
Time of day Cloud cover Humidity Pollution

CRI and Time of Day

Morning and evening
Shorter wavelengths scatter before penetrating atmosphere Daylight rich in yellow/orange, lacks blue/green

Mid-day
Hours around noon = ideal Incident daylight is most balanced within VLS Full spectrum of colors visible

Color Temperature
Another light source reference standard Related to the color standard black body when heated Reported in degrees Kelvin (K)
1000K red 2000K yellow 5555K white 6500K northern daylight 8000K pale blue

Dependent on four factors which influence CRI

Color
The quality of an object or substance with respect to light reflected by the object, usually determined visually by measurement of hue, chroma and value

Color
Influenced by three main factors
1. Physical properties of the object 2. Assessment of the observer 3. Nature of incident light

Relationship to other colored objects

Subtractive Color
These are the colors associated with the subtraction of light Used in pigments for making paints, inks, fabrics etc. The primary subtractive colors are Red, Yellow, and Blue The secondary subtractive colors are Green, Purple and Orange When subtractive primary colors are combined they produce black

Additive Color
These are the color obtained by emitted light Associated with television and computer displays The primary additive colors are Red, Blue and Green The secondary colors are Cyan, Yellow and Magenta When additive primary colors are combined they produce white

Complimentary Colors

Three Attributes of Color

1. Hue 2. Chroma 3. Value

Hue
Variety of color (red, green, yellow, etc.) Determined by wavelength of observed light within the VLS Reflected wavelength determines hue

Chroma
The intensity or saturation of a hue

Low Chroma

High Chroma

Value
The relative darkness or lightness of a color, or brightness of an object
Range = 0-10 (0=black, 10 = white)

Amount of light energy an object reflects or transmits Objects of different hues / chroma can be identical value Restorations too high in value are easily detected

Low Value

High Value

Objects of different chroma / hue can be identical value

Value

Objects of different chroma can be identical value

- Equal in Chroma / Variation in Value - Variation in Chroma / Equal in Value

Chroma

Objects of different chroma / hue can be identical value

Perception of Color

Color Perception
Rods
Scotopic (gray scale) vision, interpret brightness Interpret brightness, not color Highest concentration on peripheral retina

Cones
Photopic (color) vision Interpret color More active under high light Highest concentration on central retina (macula), most color perceptive area of eye

Color Adaptation
Color vision decreases rapidly as object is observed Color viewed dulls, while its compliment increases in intensity
Fatigue

Viewing a pale blue or gray surface between shade matching will restore color vision

Metamerism
Two colors that appear to be a match under a given lighting condition but have different spectral reflectance = metamers, the phenomenon is metamerism.
Light Source #1

Single Light Source

Light Source #2

Light Source #3

Metamerism

Color Blindness
Defect in color vision
8% males 0.5% females

Several variations exist

Achromatism complete lack of hue sensitivity Dichromatism sensitivity to two primary hues Anomalous Trichromatism sensitivity to all three hues, with abnormality in retinal cones affecting one of primary pigments Dentists should have their color vision evaluated. If any deficiency is detected, a dentist should seek assistance when selecting tooth shades.

Shade Selection
Subjective evaluation with considerable variation Subtle variations can exist without causing disharmony in smile
Restoration contour Value of restoration

Process improved by applying principles of light and color

Principles of Shade Selection

1. Teeth to be matched must be clean 2. Remove bright colors from field of view
- makeup / tinted eye glasses - bright gloves - neutral operatory walls

3. View patient at eye level 4. Evaluate shade under multiple light sources 5. Make shade comparisons at beginning of appointment 6. Shade comparisons should be made quickly to avoid eye fatigue

Commercial Shade Guides

Most convenient and common method of making shade selections Guides consist of shade tabs
Metal backing Opaque porcelain Neck, body, and incisal color

Select tab with the most natural intraoral appearance

Commercial Shade Guides

Vita Classic Vitapan 3D Master

Extended Range Shade Guides

Vita Classic Shade Guide

Very popular shade guide Tabs of similar hue are clustered into letter groups A B C D
A (red-yellow) B (yellow) C (grey) D (red-yellow-gray)

Chroma is designated with numerical values A3 = hue of red-yellow, chroma of 3

Red/Yellow

Yellow

Grey

Grey Red/Yellow

Vita Classic Shade Guide

Manufacturer recommended sequence for shade matching 1. Hue Selection

2. Chroma Selection
3. Value Selection 4. Final Check / Revision

Vita Classic Step 1 (Hue Selection)

Four categories representing hue
A, yellow-red B, yellow C, gray D, red-yellow-gray

Operator should select hue closest to that of natural tooth Use area of tooth highest in chroma for hue selection
Difficult to select hue for teeth low in chroma

Vita Classic Step 2 (Chroma Selection)

Hue selection has been made (B) Chroma is selected from gradations within the B tabs
B1, B2, B3, B4

Several comparisons should be made

Avoid retinal fatigue Rest eyes between comparisons (blue-gray)

Vita Classic Step 3 (Value Selection)

Use of second, value ordered shade guide is recommended Value oriented shade guide
B1, A1, B2, D2, A2, C1, C2, D4, A3, D3, B3, A3.5, B4, C3, A4, C4,

Value best determined by squinting with comparisons made at arms length

Decreases light Diminishes cone sensitivity, increases rod sensitivity Tooth fading first has a lower value

Vita Classic Step 4 (Final Check / Revision)

Potential Problem
Following value selection, tabs selected for hue and chroma may not coincide with shade tab selected for value

Vita Classic Step 4 (Final Check / Revision)

Possible Findings / Solutions
Value of shade tab < natural teeth
Select new shade tab with higher value Cannot increase value of restoration with extrinsic staining Will only increase opacity, light transmisison

Value of shade tab > natural teeth

Select new shade tab with lower value (or) Bridge difference with intrinsic or extrinsic staining

VITAPAN 3D-MASTER Shade Guide

Vita-3D Step 1
Determine the lightness level (value) Hold shade guide to patients mouth at arms length Start with darkest group moving right to left Select Value group 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5

Vita-3D Step 2
Select the chroma From your selected Value group, remove the middle tab (M) and spread the samples out like a fan Select one of the three shade samples to determine chroma

Vita-3D Step 3
Determine the hue Check whether the natural tooth is more yellowish or more reddish than the shade sample selected

Vita-3D Step 4
For more precise shade, intermediate levels for hue, value, and chroma can be given
2.5M2 = value between 2M2 and 3m2 3M1.5 = chroma between 3M1 and 3M2 3M2 / 3L2.5 = hue between 3M2 and 3L2.5

Vita-3D Value Modification

For more precise shade, intermediate levels for value, chroma, and hue can be given
2.5M2 = value between 2M2 and 3M2

Vita-3D Chroma Modification

For more precise shade, intermediate levels for value, chroma and hue can be given
3M1.5 = chroma between 3M1 and 3M2

Vita-3D Hue Modification

For more precise shade, intermediate Intermediate values should be hue noted on the levels for value, chroma and can be laboratory communication form given
3M2 / 3L2.5 = hue between 3M2 and 3L2.5

2.5

Extended Range Shade Guides

Most shade guides do not cover all the colors in the natural dentition Some porcelain systems extend the typical range
Bleached shades Dentin shades Custom shade guides

Shade Mapping
Recommended even when good custom shade match exists Tooth is divided into
Three regions Nine segments

Each region is matched independently Further characterizations are sketched on diagram, may include
Craze lines Hypocalcifications Proximal discolorations Translucency

Summary
An understanding of the science of color and color perception is crucial to the success in the ever expanding field of esthetic restorative dentistry. Although limitations in materials and techniques may make a perfect color match impossible, a harmonious color match impossible, a harmonious restoration can almost be achieved. Shade selection should be approached in a methodical and organized manner. This will enable the practitioner to make the best choice and communicate it accurately to the laboratory.

Thank You