Technics Dental

By Barry F. McArdle, DMD
3/17/2006

Vendor Product Listing

ShadeVision is X-Rite's digital shade matcher for dentistry. This handheld, cordless unit contains a sophisticated colorimeter (shade analyzer) with an isolated, independent light source that makes operatory lighting and background color unimportant in shade taking.

When considering this technology, I checked different types and brands available on the market (ClearMatch, ShadeVision, Shade Scan, ShadeEye, etc.) in researching my purchase. Based on comments by national lecturers, feature/price comparisons, and my laboratory's manager's advice, I chose ShadeVision as the most cost effective.

From all this information, I found that ShadeVision was the most user friendly (for me and my laboratory), easily integrated, and highest value product of all. Its software works with the latest versions of Windows and the unit connects to your computer with its docking station via any USB port. X-Rite provides free and timely software upgrades through the mail, pertinent informational updates via email, and a website where these items can be accessed if so needed.

Once the system is running on your computer, measuring is simple. First, dock the ShadeVision unit on its station with one of its disposable light focusing cones attached. When you open the ShadeVision program, it will request information on the patient to be measured (name, sex, chart number, etc.) before calibrating itself. After calibration, the unit is brought to the operatory for shade measurement. An LED touch screen on the back of unit will allow you to select the tooth (from a menu of second premolar to second premolar on each arch) to be measured, and start the reading. Measuring multiple teeth with one calibration is an option.

There is a learning curve with measurement taking, though it is not long or difficult. For uppers, angle the unit's disposable cone to locate the “glare spot” produced on enamel by its internal light source at the junction of a tooth's gingival and middle thirds. For lowers, this spot must be at the junction of the incisal and middle thirds. This is done by observing the glare spot through the LED screen as you position the device. You have about four seconds to do this after pressing the target button. At first this will seem an exceedingly short time, so initially this can be extended to 10-15 seconds by pressing on the button and holding it. After several tries you'll be waiting for the unit to finish in four seconds upon achieving an optimal position. After taking the reading, the unit will ask you to accept it or delete it and try again. When you have your best measurement, return to your computer to download the shade data.

Discard the disposable cone before docking the unit, and the ShadeVision program will automatically open, upload, and enhance the shade image. You then highlight the tooth surface in the image to be matched with your mouse and color analysis begins. This analysis yields information relating to the Munsell scale (hue, value, and chroma) of great use to the laboratory technician, and the average shade (hue, really) given can be used for your provisional's shade, if it is being made chairside. A shade file is then generated that can either be emailed to the laboratory or transferred onto a floppy disk and mailed with the case. After receipt by your laboratory, their version of ShadeVision's software details all shade calculations and any variations from standard Munsell parameters. Your lab technician can also compare different porcelain systems with the shade information for a best match. This gives CDTs guidance in “tweaking” porcelain for any subtle variation.

I still use digital photography along with this method for unique features of surface texture and unusual characterizations found in many cases. ShadeVision files can store photos in transmission to your laboratory. The ShadeVision system's unique “virtual try-in” feature lets a reading of the fabricated restoration be compared with adjacent teeth in the file originally sent for accuracy, so discrepancies can be identified and corrected before the restoration is sent back to you for an insert appointment that could end in a redo.

The ShadeVision system is the greatest advance in my shade taking procedures over a twenty-plus year career. It makes you faster and better, and pays for itself with increased case acceptance in no time, a hard-to-beat combination. X-Rite's financial options for purchasing one of these units make its acquisition a no-brainer. I could not go back to practicing without one.

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