Good shade communication is important to help ensure the highest level of aesthetic accuracy and predictability for your cases.
To support consistent results, we have invested in new shade guides purchased directly from the manufacturers. For optimal shade selection and communication, we strongly recommend that your office maintain the following:
• VITA 3D-Master Shade Guide — purchased directly from VITA (not generic)
• Ivoclar IPS e.max Bleach Shade Guide — the four single bleach tabs purchased directly from Ivoclar
Purchasing directly from the manufacturer is essential to ensure accuracy, consistency, and proper color calibration. Generic or aged shade tabs may vary in color and can affect final results.
We also recommend periodically reviewing your current shade guides. Shade tabs that have been used for many years can fade or shift over time, which may impact shade selection and overall case predictability.
For additional color communication, Chromascop shade tabs may also be utilized. They are organized into five color-based groups — White, Yellow, Light Brown, Gray, and Dark Brown — plus four bleach shades, making them ideal for precise, in-office color matching and improved communication of value and chroma in more complex aesthetic cases.
When possible, additional reference photos are always helpful — more information leads to better results. For ideal shade communication, we recommend:
• Clear photos taken without glare or overexposure
• Operatory lighting that does not wash out the image
• Neck-to-neck and size-to-size comparisons
• Incisal-to-incisal views
• Full smile and retracted views
Even the newest iPhones provide excellent image quality, and we welcome detailed clinical images whenever available. These references significantly improve our ability to achieve seamless shade integration.
Our commitment remains consistent fit, high-level aesthetics, and predictable outcomes for you and your patients. If you ever need assistance with shade communication or case planning, our team is always here to help.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Gregory Weil Dental Ceramic Studio
