Photometric assessment of tooth color using commonly available software.

It would be expedient to develop a simple digital procedure for matching shade guides to teeth for dental restorations. It was hypothesized that precise and objective L*a*b* measurements could be performed on photographic images of teeth and shade guides using commonly available photo software. Tooth shade guide tabs, shaped like computer-generated posterior crowns, were used for color matching.

Effects of 5 manipulative variables on the color of ceramics used for computer-generated restorations.

Objective: Monochromatic ceramic blocks used for computer-generated posterior restorations require color modification to achieve acceptable shade matches. However, it is not known whether manipulative variables affect the final color of these restorations. This study aimed to determine the effects of ceramic type, thickness, extrinsic colorants, glazing, and luting agent on the final color of monochromatic computer-generated ceramics.

Porcelain-veneered computer-generated partial crowns.

Objective: It would be advantageous to be able to use computer-aided design and manufacturing to fabricate a restoration that can be layered with a conventional porcelain veneer in the occlusal region, thus optimizing esthetics, function, and strength. This case study reports the laboratory technique and the clinical performance of 38 partial crowns fabricated with computer technology and veneered with porcelain.

Method And Materials: Twenty-one mandibular and 17 maxillary molars in 27 patients were prepared for partial crowns.