Fundamentals of Color: Shade Matching and Communication in Esthetic Dentistry, Second Edition

When dental practitioners lack training in the art and science of color, the deficiency often becomes glaringly evident in the quality of their restorative work. This book was written to simplify the study of color and help dentists communicate shade easily and accurately. It begins by presenting the basics of color theory within the context of esthetic dentistry and the factors that affect the transmission and perception of color. This is followed by how-to chapters on conventional and technology-based shade matching, which highlight the advantages and drawbacks of each approach and provide step-by-step shade-matching methods and protocols. This updated and expanded second edition also includes chapters on the use of digital photography for shade verification and the influence of material selection on color matching. In the final two chapters, the authors present their own recommended shade-matching protocol (which combines conventional and computer-based techniques) and an expanded series of cases demonstrating its application in various clinical scenarios. Highly recommended for students, general practitioners, and specialists. Providing patients with a natural-looking smile is an important goal for the dental professional. However, obtaining an accurate shade match for restorations can be a difficult and frustrating experience. This book explains the basic science and art of color to help the reader better understand the mechanics involved in the shade-matching process. Moreover, it details the myriad clinical elements that can affect the perception of color. The authors also present easy-to-follow protocols for both conventional and technology-based shade matching, including tips for communicating with the lab technician and a recommended protocol that combines both approaches. Twelve case studies demonstrate this combined approach, which improves productivity and clinical success by allowing the clinician to achieve an accurate and esthetic shade match, in most cases with only one fabrication. --Book Jacket