The effect of the viewing distance on determination of the relationship between age and tooth color

Aim: This study aims to question the effect of visual distance on color selection by scoring the maxillary central tooth color with the visual color selection method and to investigate the relationship between tooth color and patient age. Material and Methods: Maxillary central tooth color was determined by a single operator using visual methods from two different distances, 35 cm, and 70 cm, in a total of 100 people between the ages of 20-80 and of different genders. The value, hue, and ages of the teeth were recorded using the VITA Toothguide 3D-MASTER color scale at 2 different viewing distances. Visual color selection was made in natural daylight, preferably between 10:00 and 12:00 in the morning. Subjects were observed at eye level, and all color assessments were performed rapidly (5-7 s). Independent T-test was used for independent groups and the Chi-square test was used for dependent groups. Result: Considering the relationship of lightness with distance, there is a significant difference between the values ​​at 35 cm and 70 cm distances. It was observed that the lightness increased when the measurements made from 70 cm were compared with the measurements made from 35 cm. As the age increases, the ratio of the brightness value of 1, which is the highest lightness, decreases, and the ratio of the darker 3 and 4 lightness increases. R (reddish) hue was higher in the 40-59 and over 60 age groups compared to the 20-39 age group. Conclusion: It was observed that the tooth color was determined lighter in the measurements made from 70 cm compared to the measurements made from 35 cm. It is important to determine the color at 35 cm so that the incorrect lightness (value) is not selected. It can be said that as the age increases, the tooth gets darker, and the reddish and yellowish hue increases.