Color Distribution of Maxillary Permanent Incisors in Korean Pediatric Patients Using a Spectrophotometer

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the color distribution of maxillary permanent incisors in Korean pediatric patients and determine the effects of age and root developmental stage on tooth color. The L*a*b* values of 404 sound and fully erupted maxillary incisors without dental caries, restorations, trauma history or discoloration from 101 Korean patients between ages 7 and 15, with a mean age 10.0 ± 1.5, were analyzed with a spectrophotometer. CIE L*a*b* values were 84.01, 0.17, and 24.07 in maxillary central incisors, and 82.33, 0.31, and 25.99 in maxillary lateral incisors. L* values of maxillary central incisors were higher, and b* values of maxillary central incisors were lower than those of maxillary lateral incisors (p < 0.001). The color differences among the subregions exceeded the clinical perceptibility threshold in both of the maxillary central and lateral incisors. L* value for children at age 10 and younger was 84.13 in maxillary central incisors and 84.04 in maxillary lateral incisors, and those of older patients were 80.62 and 80.56, respectively. L* value of maxillary incisors of children at age 10 and younger was significantly higher than that of older patients. The root developmental stage did not affect tooth color. This study suggests that the color differences between maxillary central and lateral incisors and among the subregions of a tooth and the effects of age should be considered for aesthetic restorations of permanent incisors in pediatric patients.