Size Contrast Effect
Posted on 07/23/2012
The size of an object can impact the perceived value (i.e. lightness or darkness) of the object. For example, larger teeth will often appear lighter to the human eye than smaller teeth - although both teeth are made of the same shade.
In the event that two restorations, one for a central and one for a lateral, appear to be two slightly different shades, the size of each should be considered as a factor that influences the perceived color. If the lateral appears slightly darker than the central, but when we removed from the mouth appears to be the identical shade, it is not unlikely that the difference in size is affecting the perceived color. As such, either staining the central to be a bit darker, or reapplying porcelain to the lateral to be a shade lighter, will likely fix the issue.
In the event that two restorations, one for a central and one for a lateral, appear to be two slightly different shades, the size of each should be considered as a factor that influences the perceived color. If the lateral appears slightly darker than the central, but when we removed from the mouth appears to be the identical shade, it is not unlikely that the difference in size is affecting the perceived color. As such, either staining the central to be a bit darker, or reapplying porcelain to the lateral to be a shade lighter, will likely fix the issue.
