Measurements and modelling of the influence of dentine colour and enamel on tooth colour.

Objectives: We provide a quantitative predictive model for the extent to which coloured dentine, visible through the enamel, contributes to tooth colour. Our model uses (L(*),a(*),b(*)) measurements rather than spectral measurements.

Methods: We have used a model system, composed of a slice of bovine enamel placed on top of coloured paper.