Position Contrast Effect
Posted on 07/24/2012
The position contrast effect describes the changes in perceived color based on position of an object relative to another object. Specifically, if an object is placed behind another object, the anterior object will often appear lighter in value compared with the posterior object.
Similarly, with overlapping teeth, the anterior tooth often appears lighter than the posterior tooth, although both teeth are of the same shade. This contrast effect is also noted with regards to posterior teeth (i.e. molars) relative to anterior teeth - the posterior teeth will appear slightly darker than the anterior teeth.
To address the position contrast effect, the dentist or dental lab tech is advised to follow fabricate posterior teeth one shade or half shade lighter than the anterior teeth. For example, if Vita shade A2 is chosen for the anterior teeth, choose shade A1.5 for the posterior teeth.
Similarly, with overlapping teeth, the anterior tooth often appears lighter than the posterior tooth, although both teeth are of the same shade. This contrast effect is also noted with regards to posterior teeth (i.e. molars) relative to anterior teeth - the posterior teeth will appear slightly darker than the anterior teeth.
To address the position contrast effect, the dentist or dental lab tech is advised to follow fabricate posterior teeth one shade or half shade lighter than the anterior teeth. For example, if Vita shade A2 is chosen for the anterior teeth, choose shade A1.5 for the posterior teeth.
