Value Contrast Effect
Posted on 07/03/2012
A value contrast effect occurs when a color appears lighter or darker in relation to another color. For example, if a gray color is overlaid on a black background, it will appear lighter than if the same gray color is overlaid on a white background. An illustration of the value contrast effect was noted also in our post on "Contrast Effects" - http://goo.gl/1j22z.
In dentistry, the value contrast effect occurs often when a tooth is viewed against an inflamed gingiva. The tooth shade will often appear lighter when contrasted with a dark red gingiva and darker when viewed against the natural pink gingiva. The same effect will occur when a tooth shade is viewed against a gray or black gingiva caused by smoking or diabetes. The photos below illustrate this value contrast effect.
To address the value contrast effect, the dental professional is advised to follow the following rules when taking a shade:
1. Always note the gingiva color
2. If the gingiva color is naturally dark, choose a shade that is slightly darker from the ideal shade. The darkness of the gingiva will cause the shade to appear lighter.
3. If the gingiva color is naturally light, choose a shade that is a bit lighter than the ideal shade. The lightness of the gingiva will cause the shade to appear a bit darker.
4. If the gingiva is temporarily discolored due to inflammation, double check the chosen shade against the patient's healthy gingiva. Communicate the value contrast effect with the patient, and explain that the initial tooth color may appear a bit lighter, but as the gingiva heals, the tooth shade should match the surrounding dentition.
Portions of this post were adapted from the book:
Fundaments of Color - Shade Matching and Communication in Esthetic Dentistry published by Quintessence Publishing Co. Inc. Photos courtesy of: Dr. Marcus Whitmore from Planodental.com and obtained from WebMD http://goo.gl/HqkvC.
In dentistry, the value contrast effect occurs often when a tooth is viewed against an inflamed gingiva. The tooth shade will often appear lighter when contrasted with a dark red gingiva and darker when viewed against the natural pink gingiva. The same effect will occur when a tooth shade is viewed against a gray or black gingiva caused by smoking or diabetes. The photos below illustrate this value contrast effect.
To address the value contrast effect, the dental professional is advised to follow the following rules when taking a shade:
1. Always note the gingiva color
2. If the gingiva color is naturally dark, choose a shade that is slightly darker from the ideal shade. The darkness of the gingiva will cause the shade to appear lighter.
3. If the gingiva color is naturally light, choose a shade that is a bit lighter than the ideal shade. The lightness of the gingiva will cause the shade to appear a bit darker.
4. If the gingiva is temporarily discolored due to inflammation, double check the chosen shade against the patient's healthy gingiva. Communicate the value contrast effect with the patient, and explain that the initial tooth color may appear a bit lighter, but as the gingiva heals, the tooth shade should match the surrounding dentition.
Portions of this post were adapted from the book:
Fundaments of Color - Shade Matching and Communication in Esthetic Dentistry published by Quintessence Publishing Co. Inc. Photos courtesy of: Dr. Marcus Whitmore from Planodental.com and obtained from WebMD http://goo.gl/HqkvC.
Value Contrast Effect, Inflamed Gingiva, Red Gingiva, Diabetes, Smoking, Dental Lab Tech, Dentist
- Diabetic Gingiva : http://goo.gl/uJFMt
- Red Inflamed Gingiva : http://goo.gl/HqkvC
