MenuDigital photography has become an essential tool in shade restoration.
Digital photography provides a more objective interpretation and helps the ceramic technician. Although study models are better for morphology, photos can help show midline and incisal plane relations of uppers to lowers. They can show the exact placement of color variations, transitions, intensities and translucencies.
Detailed sketches of tooth mapping and shading nuances are an important communication tool. A full-face photo of the patient smiling communicates personality, the smile line and how much of the teeth show when smiling.
You don’t have to use a digital camera. Today’s cell phones provide excellent results.
Suggested Digital Requirements:
- Include the shade tab in the photo as it provides an objective color reference.
- Hold the tab on the same plane as the tooth. Be sure tab number is visible.
- Take photo at a slight angle to the facial surface to show surface texture better.
Ideally provide four photos: 
- A retracted photo of upper and lower teeth slightly apart.
- A close-up photo with shade tab.
- A photo of stump shade.
- A smiling full-face photo.
Method of Communication to Expertec:
- Email your photos in a JPEG or TIFF file to expertecdental@gmail.com
We print those photos to accompany the case through the lab. They stay with the case in the patient’s history.
