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@article{185451,
        author = {Kaviya.D and Subachander Prabhakaran and Annapoorni Hariharan},
        title = {The Art and Science of Color in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review of Visual and Digital Shade Matching Techniques},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {1540-1546},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185451},
        abstract = {The successful aesthetic replication of natural dentition is a cornerstone of modern restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Central to this success is the accurate determination of tooth color, a process commonly known as shade matching. For decades, the standard of care has been visual shade matching, an inherently subjective method reliant on the clinician's perceptual skill and environmental conditions. However, the last two decades have witnessed a technological revolution with the advent of digital shade matching devices, promising objectivity, repeatability, and enhanced communication. This comprehensive review synthesizes the existing literature to explore the principles, methodologies, advantages, and limitations of both visual and digital approaches. It delves into a comparative analysis of the two paradigms, evaluating their accuracy and clinical effectiveness as reported in numerous in-vivo and in-vitro studies. Furthermore, this review examines the myriad factors that influence the outcomes of any shade-matching technique, including lighting, operator experience, and patient-specific variables like tooth dehydration. By examining the clinical integration, economic implications, and impact on patient satisfaction, this article provides a holistic overview of the current landscape. It concludes that while digital technologies offer significant advantages in objectivity and consistency, the optimal approach may lie in a synergistic combination of scientific instrumentation and the clinician's artistic judgment, paving the way for a future where aesthetic outcomes are more predictable and patient-centric than ever before.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {October},
        }