What does “Shade selection” mean?
Shade selection is the process of comparing and choosing a color for natural teeth or restorations. The Korean term refers to the English word “shade,” and the process uses shade guides, photographs, and other records.
The brightest color is not always the goal
The brightness, color, translucency, and surface texture of surrounding teeth are viewed together. When treating only one tooth and adjusting the color of multiple front teeth together, the goal and its relationship with surrounding teeth are different.
The gum side and tip of the tooth may not appear the same color. If necessary, record the color and characteristics of each part separately.
View guide, photos, and actual teeth together
The color impression varies depending on lighting, screen settings, and the degree of dryness of the teeth. This is why it is difficult to determine the final appearance with just one color number or cell phone photo.
When planning whitening together, changes in natural teeth and the order in which restorations are made are also taken into consideration. The final choice is discussed with an understanding of the treatment options and comparative conditions.
If we organize the names
The Korean expression sometimes written as “shadow selection” refers here to choosing a tooth shade, not a shadow. For readers, “shade selection” or “tooth color selection” conveys the intended meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shade selection only done at the end of treatment?
You can discuss the colors you want when first planning and compare them again during the production and try-in stages. The timing of actual color confirmation will vary depending on treatment method and material.
If I choose the same shade number, will it look the same as the surrounding teeth?
Even with the same number, the visible color may vary depending on the thickness and translucency of the material, background tooth color, etc. In addition to the number, you need to check the harmony in your mouth.
Does planning to whiten my teeth change the order of shade selection?
If you plan to change the color of your natural teeth through whitening, we will also discuss the procedure for determining the final color of your restoration. This is because restorations do not whiten in the same way as natural teeth.
3 things to check before a shade selection consultation
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- Sufficient understanding
In addition to the shade number, do you explain translucency, background color, and material thickness?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsAt TU Dental Clinic, we confirm the desired brightness during a consultation and check the actual color and harmony with surrounding teeth before attaching the completed restoration.
Criteria for choosing a color that harmonizes with surrounding teeth - A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic compare the surrounding teeth with the visible range when you smile?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic considers the brightness and hue of adjacent teeth along with the desired change in brightness. At the try-in before bonding, the actual color, translucency, and harmony with surrounding teeth are checked.
Criteria for choosing a color that harmonizes with surrounding teeth - Sufficient understanding
Does the clinic discuss the whitening plan and when the final color will be confirmed in advance?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the different roles of the screen design, temporary preview, and final try-in. It also explains that temporary materials do not exactly reproduce the translucency and texture of the final ceramic.
What to check in simulation, smile preview, and try-in
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- Academy of Prosthodontics · Glossaryacademyofprosthodontics.org (opens in a new tab)
- Principles of smile designpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- VITA · Shade determinationvita-zahnfabrik.com (opens in a new tab)
- ADA · Whiteningada.org (opens in a new tab)
- Dehydration Time Effect on Tooth Color Measurementpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
