Tooth Color Differences between Digital Photography and Spectrophotometer in both Genders: An In vivo Study

Tooth color is one of the most concerning issues in cosmetic dentistry. Different lighting, materials, and genders have influenced tooth color, hence, influencing the esthetic appearance. Knowing the differences between different materials to measure tooth color and differences in tooth color between genders could help in better understanding and choosing artificial tooth color.

This study aims to compare two color-measuring methods, spectrophotometer and standardized digital photography, and gender differences in terms of tooth color.

An evaluation of 300 vital maxillary central and lateral incisors was carried out on 150 adult participants. Tooth color was measured using the CIEL*a*b* color system on digital photography images and the Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer. The settings for digital photography were standardized, and the reliability of the method was tested. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the two color-measuring methods and gender differences in terms of tooth color, with a significant level set at p = 0.05.

There were statistically significant differences between Vita Easyshade Spectrophotometer and digital photography in all color spaces (L*, a*, and b*) for central and lateral incisors. There was a significant difference between males’ and females’ L* color space in digital photography for central (p = 0.04) and lateral (p = 0.05) incisors. The reliability of the digital photography method used in this study was high.

Tooth colors were found to be lighter and more yellowish in VITA Easyshade compared to the digital camera. Females had lighter teeth compared to males in digital photography. The digital photography method showed excellent reliability.