Tooth color and whitening - digital technologies

J Dent. 2018 Jul:74 Suppl 1:S42-S46. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2018.04.023.

Abstract

Objectives: To review the key concepts of color in the dental domain with specific reference to the use of digital technology to measure color and color appearance.

Materials and methods: The literature on color assessment in dentistry is considered and methods for assessing whiteness, yellowness and color appearance are collated and described.

Results and conclusion: A variety of methods for assessing color have been shown to exist and be viable including digital imaging. Equations to predict whiteness are identified; there is evidence that they are effective but further evaluation may be needed.

Keywords: CIE color space; Tooth whiteness; Tooth yellowness; Visual assessments; Whiteness index.

MeSH terms

  • Color
  • Color Perception
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Esthetics, Dental
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Incisor / diagnostic imaging
  • Observer Variation
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Photography, Dental / methods
  • Spectrophotometry / methods
  • Tooth Bleaching / methods*
  • Tooth Discoloration / classification
  • Tooth Discoloration / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tooth Discoloration / therapy*