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Fast and reliable tooth shade determination for removable prosthetics

Particularly after multiple extractions, a temporary denture should be immediately available to stabilize the situation and protect the wound areas. In addition to the fit of a temporary prosthesis, the choice of morphologically and shade-matched denture teeth is crucial for patient compliance. With the spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade V (VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), the tooth shade for the temporary restoration can be determined quickly and precisely, prior to surgical treatment. In this case report, Prof. Dr. Alexander Hassel (Mannheim, Germany) demonstrates the process using a classic example.

Findings and tooth shade determination

Due to severe periodontal damage, teeth 17, 14, 25 and 27 of the patient's teeth proved to be unsustainable. The teeth needed to be extracted and then replaced first with a temporary prosthesis. For this, the tooth shade was determined with the VITA Easyshade V. The measuring probe was placed flat on tooth 11 in the middle, and the measurement was triggered by pressing a button. Standardized white LED light was sent to the interior of the tooth. The remission spectrum reflected by the dentin core was then recorded by the probe, analyzed in the device and the corresponding tooth color A3 was determined. The measured value was then documented visually for the dental technician using the corresponding shade sample.

Fabrication and extraction

In the next step, the upper and lower jaws were molded with alginate, and the bite was recorded with silicone. The unsustainable teeth were erased from the manufactured and articulated upper jaw model so that the temporary prosthesis could be made with curved brackets at 13, 23 and 25. Tooth selection was based on digital shade determination and the remaining tooth morphology on the models. The teeth were extracted in the surgical session. The finished temporary prosthesis was incorporated as an immediate wound dressing, under which the healing process could proceed undisturbed.

Result and wound healing

The selected prefabricated teeth fit morphologically and shade-matched with the remaining residual dentition. Especially with a change from fixed to removable dentures, care should be taken to select the correct teeth to achieve positive patient acceptance. In the case of a partial prosthetic restoration in the anterior tooth region, this is even more important. The VITA Easyshade V is a practical aid for quickly and easily selecting denture-made teeth in the right shade. The patient felt good about the temporary prosthetic. Positive wound healing was evident in the follow-up examination after seven days.

Report 07/18

Prof. Dr. Alexander Hassel Mannheim, Germany
"VITA Easyshade V is a practical aid for quickly selecting denture-made teeth in the right shade."
Prof. Dr. Alexander Hassel
Mannheim, Germany
Fig. 1: Shade determination with VITA Easyshade V was simple and fast with the push of a button.
Fig. 1: Shade determination with VITA Easyshade V was simple and fast with the push of a button.

Fig. 1: Shade determination with VITA Easyshade V was simple and fast with the push of a button.

Fig. 2: Within seconds, the result A3 is shown on the display.
Fig. 2: Within seconds, the result A3 is shown on the display.

Fig. 2: Within seconds, the result A3 is shown on the display.

Fig. 3: Measured tooth and shade tabs in the color determined by the VITA Easyshade V.
Fig. 3: Measured tooth and shade tabs in the color determined by the VITA Easyshade V.

Fig. 3: Measured tooth and shade tabs in the color determined by the VITA Easyshade V.

Fig. 4: The finished temporary prosthesis with curved brackets on teeth 13, 23 and 25.
Fig. 4: The finished temporary prosthesis with curved brackets on teeth 13, 23 and 25.

Fig. 4: The finished temporary prosthesis with curved brackets on teeth 13, 23 and 25.

Fig. 5: After seven days, there was good wound healing of the extraction alveoli.
Fig. 5: After seven days, there was good wound healing of the extraction alveoli.

Fig. 5: After seven days, there was good wound healing of the extraction alveoli.

Fig. 6: Tooth shade and morphology harmonize with the residual dentition.
Fig. 6: Tooth shade and morphology harmonize with the residual dentition.

Fig. 6: Tooth shade and morphology harmonize with the residual dentition.

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