Using a spectrophotometric study of human gingival colour distribution to develop a shade guide

Abstract

Objectives: For dental prostheses, colour choice is a main concern. The present spectrometric study analyzes healthy gingiva to develop a shade guide for pink aesthetics.

Methods: A reflectance spectrometer and an external light source were set up in a 45/0-degree optical configuration to measure the colour of gingiva over the maxillary anterior area. A total of 362 human subjects with healthy gingiva were divided into groups according to sex and age. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*, a*, and b* (CIELAB) values and differences in colour (ΔE) were measured. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and cluster analyses were used to analyse the data.

Results: There are significant differences in the gingival colour by sex (ΔE > 3.7). The mean CIE L* value of female gingiva is significantly higher than that of male gingiva (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between age groups. 10 categories for gingival colour are established.

Conclusion: The gingival colour of females is lighter than that of males. The proposed colour classification can be used as a gingival shade guide reference by dental laboratory technicians.