Introduction

Accurate shade selection is one of the most crucial and challenging steps in the fabrication of indirect esthetic restorations.^1-3 Proper shade matching helps fabricate a restoration that harmoniously blends with the patient's existing dentition.^1,2 However, large variations are present in the natural tooth shades making it challenging to attain a precise shade match;^4,5 These variations may be attributed to intrinsic or extrinsic discolorations, surface texture, gloss, and other optical properties associated with the teeth.^4,6,7 Achieving an accurate shade match not only depends on the inherent variations in tooth color but also on external factors that influence color perception and interpretation.

The perceived color of an object is significantly influenced by factors such as the acuity of the human eye, genetic deficiencies in color perception, the operator's skills and experience in interpreting color, the type and quality of illumination, the environment, and the background color.^7-9 Therefore, in-depth comprehension of color science, the effects of light on color, human color vision, and the optical properties of teeth and restorative materials is essential to achieve an optimally color-matched restoration.^10,11 In addition, it is critical to establish proper communication with the dental technician regarding the shade and the surface features desired in the restoration.¹ Improper communication with the laboratory technician will often require a restoration remake thereby increasing the time and cost of restoration fabrication.^12,13

Shade selection may be performed using conventional visual methods or through the use of instrumental technology.^1,4,7,14,15 Development of improved shade guides, shade-taking instruments, guidelines for shade selection, and research in the area of human color vision has improved dental practitioners' ability to record a precise shade.¹¹