Optical Properties And Color Perception In Esthetic Dentistry: A Literature Review

Background: Color is one of the most important esthetic parameters in dentistry, particularly in fixed and esthetic prosthodontics. Accurate color reproduction depends on understanding both the perceptual and physical aspects of color in the oral environment.
Оbjective: To review current knowledge on color perception and the optical properties of dental materials, and to evaluate methods used for objective color assessment in esthetic dentistry.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar). The review focused on studies discussing visual color perception, color measurement technologies (spectrophotometry and colorimetry), and material-based optical behavior such as translucency and fluorescence. Key concepts like the CIE Lab* system and ΔE values were emphasized.
Results: Visual color perception is influenced by multiple psychophysical factors, making visual shade matching subjective and inconsistent. Instrumental methods such as spectrophotometry provide more objective data and allow for reproducible results. The CIE Lab* color space and ΔE values are widely accepted for quantifying color differences. Different dental materials show varied optical behaviors under diverse lighting and surface treatment conditions, with surface texture, aging, and finishing technique (e.g., polishing or glazing) significantly affecting final color outcomes.
Conclusion: Achieving optimal esthetic results in restorative dentistry requires a sound understanding of color science, including perceptual and instrumental evaluation. Dental professionals should be familiar with how material composition, surface treatments, and light interaction affect color, in order to deliver restorations that are both esthetically pleasing and clinically acceptable
Key Word: Esthetic dentistry, color perception, spectrophotometry, ΔE, CIE Lab*, optical properties