Comparison of Color Selecting methods’ reliability, including visual evaluation, Intraoral Scanning, and photography (SLR camera and smartphone)

Abstract

Abstract Statement of problem. Given the grave importance of color selection in prosthetic dentistry, finding the most reliable method and easing the burden of unsatisfied outcomes in aesthetic dentistry is necessary. There is a lack of adequate evidence to strictly back one of the existing methods, resulting in confusion and indecisiveness among dental professionals.Purpose. This diagnostic test study aimed to recognize the best method of color selection out of the three most common ones (visual assessment, intraoral scanning, and photography) by determining and comparing their reliability.Material and methods. Twenty-six participants with nearly-fine maxillary right first incisors (without any sign of dental wear, pigmentation, or enamel anomaly) were selected among 20 to 40-year-old patients. The colors of the respective teeth were determined by visual assessment of three expert evaluators, intraoral scanning, and photography (by two different means: SLR camera and smartphone). These determination methods were performed twice with a two-week gap. The reliabilities of the mentioned methods were examined and compared using the ICC (Interclass correlation coefficient) test (significance level=0.05).Results. The study findings showed us a significant difference between various means of color selection (p<0.05). Reliability measures are as follows: 92.3% for intraoral scanning, 61.5% for visual evaluation, 15.4% for SLR cameras, and 7.7% for smartphone cameras. Despite the promising results supporting the visual evaluation method, poor interpersonal reliability was reported.Conclusions. Using intraoral scanners to determine the tooth’s actual color is the most reliable method, followed by the visual evaluation technique. Using photographic pictures is the least reliable one regardless of the capturing tools.