Objective: To develop a new color matching method in dentistry by application of digital photography.
Methods: Digital photographs were obtained of Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide and natural teeth under the same condition, the L*a*b* values of each digital photography were assessed and analyzed by Photoshop CS4.
Results: The Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide was divided into 5 groups, the L* values were similar in each group, but decreased from group 1 to 5. The a* values of L1.5 and L2.5 were minimum, R1.5 and R2.5 were maximum and M1-M3 were intermediate. Compared with Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide, the L*a*b* values of natural teeth were higher.
Conclusion: Digital photography can basically reflect the color of Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide, and provides a reference for color matching in dentistry.