LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC COLOS ANALYSIS OF FIXED PROSTHETIC RESTORATIONS
Keywords:
spectrophotometry, color, fixed prosthodontics, limitations, clinical applicationAbstract
Spectrophotometric color analysis has become an indispensable tool in modern dentistry, particularly within the field of fixed prosthodontics, where the demand for highly esthetic restorations continues to grow. With the advancement of digital technologies, spectrophotometers enable objective and quantitative measurement of color differences (ΔE), enhancing the material selection process, optimizing fabrication protocols, and reducing subjective human bias in shade matching. Despite these technological innovations, spectrophotometry in both dental research and clinical practice faces significant methodological limitations and challenges that can compromise the accuracy and reliability of the obtained data.
The precision and reproducibility of spectrophotometric measurements are influenced by multiple factors, including lighting conditions, incidence angle, surface texture, gloss level, sample condition, operator handling, and environmental parameters. In laboratory settings, these variables are minimized through standardized lighting, controlled temperature, and consistent sample positioning, allowing for more accurate and reliable results. Conversely, clinical measurements are performed in dynamic environments, often affected by ambient light, saliva presence, patient movement, and operator variability — all of which may compromise the consistency of spectrophotometric readings.
One of the key concerns addressed in this review is the transferability of laboratory results into clinical scenarios, highlighting the gap between controlled experimental conditions and real-world clinical practice. Such variations can directly impact ΔE values and, consequently, influence esthetic outcomes and treatment decisions in prosthodontic practice.The purpose of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of current scientific evidence regarding the limitations and challenges of spectrophotometric color analysis in fixed prosthodontics. The paper compares laboratory and clinical measurement conditions, examines methodological approaches adopted in recent studies, discusses the constraints of available digital devices, and offers practical recommendations for improving measurement accuracy in daily dental practice. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for continued research aimed at developing standardized protocols and enhancing the clinical applicability of spectrophotometric color analysis in esthetic dentistry.
References
Alvarado Lorenzo, A., Criado Pérez, L., Cano Rosás, M., Lozano García, E., López Palafox, J., & Alvarado Lorenzo, M. (2024). Clinical comparative study of shade measurement using two methods: dental guides and spectrophotometry. Biomedicines, 12(4), 825. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040825
Alghazali, N., O'Sullivan, C., Gonzalez, J. A., & Lippert, F. (2019). Instrumental measurement of colour stability of resin composites in vitro. Journal of Dentistry, 82, 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2019.01.002
Alshali, R. Z., Salim, N. A., Satterthwaite, J. D., & Silikas, N. (2021). The influence of clinical protocols on spectrophotometric shade matching: A systematic review. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 33(8), 1107–1115. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.12833
Chu, S. J., Trushkowsky, R. D., & Paravina, R. D. (2010). Dental color matching instruments and systems. Journal of Dental Research, 89(1), 143–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034509359407
Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE). (2004). Colorimetry (3rd ed.). Vienna: CIE Central Bureau.
Douglas, R. D., & Steinhauer, T. J. (2007). Clinical evaluation of color matching using visual and instrumental methods. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 97(2), 78–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2007.01.012
Ghinea, R., Pérez, M. M., Herrera, L. J., Rivas, M. J., Yebra, A., Paravina, R. D., & Pérez, C. (2010). Color difference thresholds in dental ceramics. Journal of Dentistry, 38(2), e57–e64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2010.07.004
Haciali, C., Korkut, B., & Yanikoglu, F. (2025). Clinical assessment of dental color during dehydration and rehydration by various dental photography techniques. Odontology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-025-01081-w
Johnston, W. M. (2009). Color measurement in dentistry. Journal of Dentistry, 37(Suppl 1), e2–e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2009.01.007
Liberato, W. F., Barreto, I. C. S., Queiroz, J. R. B., & Andrade, A. K. M. (2021). Effect of different measurement conditions on the color of dental restorative materials using spectrophotometer. Journal of Prosthodontics, 30(1), 60–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.13282
O’Brien, W. J. (2008). Dental materials and their selection (4th ed.). Chicago: Quintessence Publishing.
Paravina, R. D. (2009). Performance assessment of dental shade guides. Journal of Dentistry, 37(Suppl 1), e15–e20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2009.01.009
Paravina, R. D., Powers, J. M., & Fay, R. M. (2009). Color comparison of two shade guides. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 21(4), 225–232. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1708-8240.2009.00272.x
Paravina, R. D., Ghinea, R., Herrera, L. J., et al. (2015). Visual and instrumental shade matching using a new 3D Master Toothguide prototype. Journal of Dentistry, 43(9), 1170–1178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2015.06.003
Pereira, R. P., Ardu, S., Krejci, I., & Dietschi, D. (2022). Spectrophotometric shade analysis: Influence of surface conditions and different devices. Clinical Oral Investigations, 26(4), 3793–3803. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-04257-7
Vichi, A., Ferrari, M., & Davidson, C. L. (2004). Color and opacity variations in resin-based composites after aging. Dental Materials, 20(6), 530–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2003.08.009
