Summary

It is critical to match the surface form and color of teeth to create esthetic dental restorations. However, it is challenging to achieve a close shade match due to the wide variations in natural tooth color. Errors in shade selection (particularly value mismatch) can lead to patient dissatisfaction and treatment failure. For accurate shade matching, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of color, its different aspects, and the factors affecting the perceived color of a tooth. An integrated approach combining both visual and instrumental methods should be utilized for shade determination, as they complement each other. In addition, effective communication between clinicians and laboratory technicians is essential to ensure successful results.