Selection of the proper shade and color matching of restorations to natural dentition continues to be one of the most perplexing and frustrating problems in dentistry. Currently available shade guides contain a limited selection of colors compared to those found in natural dentition. An error in shade selection is thus introduced, since many tooth colors are defined by approximation to the nearest shade of the guide.
Although the recently introduced Vita 3D-Master shade guide is considered an excellent addition to the dentist's armamentarium, the Vitapan Classical shade guide remains the most commonly used shade guide by most clinicians. The Vita 3D-Master shade guide is divided into groups of different Values. Each group is arranged vertically based on Chroma and then horizontally based on Hue. Consequently, Value is determined first, followed by Chroma and then Hue.
Nevertheless, although the Vitapan Classical shade guide is divided or arranged in groups based on Hue difference (A, B, C, & D), most clinicians recommend beginning their selection by assessing Value first followed by Hue and then Chroma. This might explain the reported relative ease and improvement in shade matching when Vita 3D Master shade guide is used compared to the Vitapan Classical shade guide. A logical approach to shade assessment using the Vitapan Classical shade guide starting with Hue determination is introduced.