Comparison of Two Different Light Sources Affecting Visual Shade Perception

Background: Visual shade matching is important for dental aesthetics and lighting conditions can be one of the key factors that influence the shade matching results. This study was started to analyse this correlation. Objective: The objective of this paper is to compare two different light sources i.e. natural day-light and operating light by two observers affecting visual shade perception. Study design: It was a cross-sectional study where both observers examined the subjects at one point in time. Place & duration of study: This study was conducted at dental hospital, Lahore medical and dental college, Lahore where random samples were taken for six months. Duration of study was from July 16, 2024 to January 15, 2025 after approval. The study was approved by CPSP via Letter, Ref No. CPSP/REU/DSG-2021-080-3877 Dated: July 15, 2024 and ERB of the Hospital. Material and Methods: Visual assessment was based on a comparison between two light sources while using a single shade guide by two observers. Observers with normal colour vision were asked to visually match the colour of the maxillary central incisor in a group of 67 subjects, aged 20-50 years. One shade guide VITA Vitapan Classical® was used in natural daylight as well as under artificial light. Results: Significant differences were found between light sources and shade matching results (p-value<0.05). Both observers showed 70.1% and 61.2% agreement using natural and artificial light respectively. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, natural daylight demonstrated superior agreement in shade selection as compared to artificial light.