Patients may prefer white and shiny teeth rather than a natural appearance, according to a new study by researchers from Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel (Quintessence International, May 2010, Vol. 41:5).
The researchers looked at 193 patients, ranging in age from 18 to 32 years. Patients' anterior teeth shade evaluation was conducted first by the patient, then by the clinician using the Vita shade guide (Vident).
Here are some of the results:
- Only 18.7% of participants' self-assessment of teeth shade matched in hue and chroma to the clinician's evaluation.
- Participants assessed their shade darker than the clinician according to the Vita classical shade.
- Only 3.6% were highly satisfied with the shade of their teeth, and 83.4% were interested in a future bleaching procedure.
- Tooth shade was more accurately assessed by women and nonsmokers.
"A patient's preference toward a lighter shade should be addressed during treatment planning to match the patient's expectations for esthetics and increase patient satisfaction of treatment outcome," the authors concluded.
Copyright © 2010 DrBicuspid.com
