Comparison of color difference and reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the intra and inter-device reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers in measuring the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color coordinates and to compare the color difference (ΔE) between both devices. Methods: the central region of the labial surface of the maxillary central incisor of 31 participants was measured twice by each of the devices (VITA EasyShade and Degudent Shadepilot) by one examiner. CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were obtained for all teeth and ΔE was measured and compared. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Mann-whitney U test were used to analyze the data (p0.05). Conclusions: high intra device reliability in measuring CIE L*a*b* color coordinates was achieved particularly of Vita EasyShade, and both devices had clinically acceptable color difference (ΔE <3.7) however, inter device reliability was low to moderate. Consequently, the same spectrophotometer should be used throughout the steps of performing any tooth- colored restoration.

Keywords

• Data accuracy
• Collor
• Spectrophotometry