Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Teeth selection is not simply a mechanical procedure, but requires dexterity and knowledge of biology. Selection of teeth forms an important step before teeth arrangement. The present study was conducted to determine different shade value in both genders of different age groups. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 84 subjects of both genders. Subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 42 subjects in age range of 20-40 years and group II had 42 subjects in age range from 40- 60 years. The shade of middle third of the labial surface of permanent maxillary left or right central incisor was recorded. The lightness value was selected. Starting from the darkest group, the appropriate value group – 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 was recorded. Skin color of all subjects was matched using the Radiance compact makeup shades as a guide which was either, light, medium and dark. Results: Age group 20-40 years had 30 males and 12 females and age group 40-60 years had 16 males and 26 females. The difference was non- significant (P-0.1). Shade value 2 was seen in maximum number of subjects (males- 24, females- 20) followed by value 3 (males- 8, females- 10), value 1 (males- 10, females- 6), value 4 (males- 24, females- 20) and shade value 5 was not seen in any subject. The difference was non- significant (P-0.01). The maximum number of light skin subjects (12) medium (16) subjects and dark skin subjects (14) had shade value 2 followed by shade value 3 seen in light skin subjects (5) medium (10) subjects and dark skin subjects (15). The difference was non- significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There is influence of age on shade value. Shade value 2 was observed in maximum number of subjects. Maximum subjects had medium skin color. Key words: Radiance, Shade, Teeth.