Visual and instrumental colorimetric assessments of small color differences on translucent dental porcelain.

The CIELAB colorimetric system was used for the study of the relationship between measured color difference values and human observer responses. This study verified that a specific, visually meaningful and precise relationship exists between the magnitude and direction of the measurements and the average dental-observer responses. The results support the use of this system in dentistry as a means of evaluating color by differences. The further development of such systems for clinical use would be warranted and could serve as a valuable tool for material selection and restoration design, particularly in the area of aesthetic restorative dentistry.