Research shows that correct shade matching for porcelain restoration cannot be achieved accurately even after using visual shade guides because there is always a noted difference in the visual perception of operators.

This study was conducted to compare the interoperator variability in shade selection by visual techniques using VITA Toothguide 3D-Master and Vitapan classical shade guide and then to calculate the amount of percentage in variability in shade selection.

Three prosthodontists selected the shade of upper right central incisor of 100 patients (age 20—30 years) in a standardized environment. Two shade guides were used—Vitapan classical shade guide and the VITA Toothguide 3D-Master (Vita Zahnfabrik) for shade selection. Each examiner was tested to eliminate color blindness.

All teeth were polished before each shade selection, and the selection process was standardized for controlled lighting and procedures. The results were analyzed for repeatability using agreement analysis test, t-test (p = 0.05).

According to the agreement analysis, there was about 14% of interperson variability seen in Vitapan classical shade guide and about 23% in VITA Toothguide 3D-Master.

Within the limitations of this study, the following result was drawn: VITA Toothguide 3D-Master showed higher interperson variability than Vitapan classical shade guide.

Dahane TM, Gupta R, Godbole SR, Pakhan AJ, Sathe S, Shukla A, Jibhkate R. Interoperator Variability in Shade Selection using Two Shade Guides. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2017;7(4):124-128.