Shade selection for single-unit anterior metal ceramic crowns: a 5-year retrospective study of 2,500 cases.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of shades selected for metal ceramic crowns provided at a dental teaching hospital.


METHODS
Data on the selection of shade for 2,500 metal ceramic crown units, placed over a 5-year period at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester, were collected and analyzed. Only those crowns placed adjacent to minimally restored vital teeth were included in the study.


RESULTS
The results indicate that the most frequently chosen shades were in the mid-range of reddish-brown hue. Furthermore, shades in the reddish-grey range of hue were rarely chosen. The selection of more than one shade for a crown ("mixed shades") was generally restricted to the maxillary anterior teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the distribution of shades selected for permanently luted metal ceramic crowns may be a useful adjunct in shade selection, particularly for the inexperienced operator.
Unit of Prosthodontics, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, United Kingdom.
P W
PW
Smith
N H
NH
Wilson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003116:Color / Q000592:standards; D003442:Crowns; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D008875:Middle Aged; D017797:Prosthesis Coloring; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain