Using a computer color-matching system in color reproduction of porcelain restorations. Part 3: A newly developed spectrophotometer designed for clinical application.

This paper reports the development of a newly modified, noncontact spectrophotometer for clinical use. The instrument is capable of accurately measuring the color within small areas (1 x 2 mm) of a tooth. This spectrophotometer used a 45 degree/0 degree geometry, a 150W halogen lamp, and fiberoptics to focus the light, together with a lens having a focal point distance of 85 mm. A movable platform was added to the apparatus to automatically scan and measure the color of specific areas. Short-term repeatability indicated the color difference delta E to be approximately 0.15.