Advanced Shade Selection

I took an amazing course a few days ago and am pretty excited to share it with you! Anytime I take courses relating to dental of any kind, I really do walk away feeling refreshed and ready to apply my new knowledge in the practice!  Hopefully after this article you will feel the same :).  This is a great review of the 'Advanced Shade Selection' Course as part of Dentalelle's 'Portfolio Workshop' for members.

First of all - I want you all to take a moment to view this YouTube video - it's a real "eye opener" as it shows you different ways we all look at color and why this is so important in shade selection.  Click here to see the quick video.  There, did you notice how the same colours can look completely different when paired with different backgrounds?  Can anyone recall why we always suggested certain colour bibs to put on the patient because it aids in shade selection?  Well, I learned today that a 'grey' bib is actually the best and not a blue bib that I originally had learned.  They say blue can play minor tricks on our eyes and a more neutral colour is the best way to go.  We have been using blue bibs in our dental practice for at least 10 years (since I have been there) so good luck to me trying to have everyone switch to a grey one!

Some basics to remember:

1. Dentin - yellow/brown/opaque shade
2. Enamel - translucent/blue/ white shade
3. The laterals - average lightest shade
4. The canines - darkest shade
5. The centrals - a shade between the laterals and canines

DID YOU KNOW - amalgam is VERY opaque in a radiograph and if you have several amalgams in an area, any teeth near these amalgams may LOOK to have a radiolucency when actually no decay is present!  Something the DDS must be aware of.  This was news to me!  Learn something new everyday right?


Some tricks and tips:

• Have the patient take off their lipstick before you take their shade because different colours can change the shade (EVEN if the patient wears the same lipstick everyday, because you want a perfect baseline)
• Use a GREY bib
• Use natural light as best as possible (or you can buy 'natural light' fluorescent bulbs
• The shade guides that are sent with the composite aren't the best, make your own using the composites in your office
• Don't stare at the shades for the tooth too long - a quick few seconds is enough
• If you are having trouble with a few shades - take your selections and hold two up to the tooth at a time, and choose that way until you narrow it down to one!
• I was told NOT to ask the patient what they think (although I disagree) because I was told they would always choose the lighter colour if they want to go lighter.  I feel if you ask the patient to give their opinion, they feel involved in the process and are less likely to complain after the procedure is done if the shade isn't perfect :)
• Do not over dry the teeth
• Let the patient know the teeth are dried out anyway after the procedure and the shade will look better after 24 hours (I can speak first hand on this!  In the mouth the shade looks amazing, I sit them up to have a look and I always shutter to myself because the colour DOES NOT look the same).  I'm a perfectionist!
• Select shade BEFORE placing the rubber dam
• Pick lighter shade if the teeth are different colors (lighter always darker right?!)
• Take shades WITHOUT loupes, use your natural eye

I hope these quick tips help you all!  Something to certainly think about.  Shade selection is important and feeling confident in this will make it easier for you and your DDS.
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Are you a dental hygienist?  You may be interested in our FREE Portfolio Workshop email community - helping you keep organized throughout the year!