Influence of Illumination Conditions and Cross-Polarization on DSLR-Based Clinical Tooth Color Assessment: A Comparison With Spectrophotometric Measurements
JOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jerd.70268
- Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aim: To evaluate the influence of different illumination systems and cross-polarization on tooth color determination using DSLR photography, and to assess the agreement between photographic methods and spectrophotometric measurements. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one participants (62 maxillary central incisors) were included. Color measurements were obtained using a spectrophotometer under standardized conditions. Standardized DSLR photographs were taken using three illumination setups: softbox-equipped studio flash, twin flash, and twin flash with cross-polarization filter. The image area corresponding to the 5-mm probe tip was calculated, and mean L*, a*, and b* values were obtained from all pixels within this region. Color differences (Delta E-00) and Delta L, Delta a, Delta b values were calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman tests (alpha = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed among all measurement systems for L*, a*, and b* parameters (p < 0.001). The highest color difference relative to the spectrophotometer was found in the softbox system (Delta E-00 = 5.69), whereas twin flash (Delta E-00 = 3.56) and cross-polarized twin flash (Delta E-00 = 3.32) showed lower and comparable values. None of the methods produced color differences within the perceptibility threshold (Delta E-00 <= 0.8). The highest proportion of clinically acceptable values (Delta E-00: 0.8-1.8) was observed in the twin flash group (11.3%). Conclusion: Lighting conditions significantly influence tooth color determination using DSLR photography, leading to variations across all color components (L*, a*, and b*). These findings indicate that different photographic setups may produce inconsistent color outcomes, highlighting the need for standardized imaging protocols in clinical practice. Clinical Significance Illumination conditions significantly influence photographic tooth color measurements, leading to clinically relevant discrepancies. Standardization of photographic protocols is therefore essential for reliable color matching in clinical practice.