A Comparative Evaluation of Four Different Methods for Shade Selection in Maxillary Central Incisor: An in Vivo Study

Background Accurate shade selection is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving optimal esthetic outcomes in restorative and prosthodontic dentistry. Conventional visual shade matching remains the most widely employed technique in clinical practice; however, it is highly subjective and influenced by numerous operator- and environment-related factors. Recent advances in digital dentistry have introduced objective shade determination systems, including spectrophotometers, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) photography, and smartphone-based applications, which may improve the reliability and reproducibility of shade selection.  Aim To compare the agreement of four different shade selection methods—visual shade guide, VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer, DSLR photography, and smartphone application—for maxillary central incisors in young adults.