In Vitro Evaluation of New Dental Software for Shade Matching

In this study we evaluate a new computer software developed for determining tooth color parameters obtained from digital images taken in a general practice working conditions. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the program, we used as samples dental shade tabs. The tabs were measured using a dental spectrophotometer, and then photographed and measured using our program (Toodent). L, a, b values of the CIE Lab color space were obtained. The results were also automatically expressed in dental shade tab code. The results analysis was made by comparing the L, a, b values obtained by the program, with spectrophotometer ones taken from the same shade tab. A statistical indicator was created in order to evaluate the accuracy of the program. Further evaluation of the program shall be made, in order to be used in routine clinical color selection.