When taking a patient’s shade,
the dentist has three simple steps to follow:

• First, determine the value (lightness) by selecting the closest match from one of five value groups.
  
  
• Second, determine the Chroma within the value group from three choices.
  
  
• Third, pick the hue by determining if the tooth has a more yellow or red cast.

STEP 1

* Determine the lightness level (value)
* Hold shade guide to patientís mouth
at arms length
* Start with darkest group moving right to left
* Select Value group 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5

Step 1 (Alternative)

Alternative method for
determining lightness level:

Remove all tabs
except the middle “M” tabs

Select Value group
(Pictured with bleach '0' tabs)

STEP 2

* Select the chroma
* From your selected Value group,
remove the middle tab (M) and spread the samples out like a fan
* Select one of the three shade samples to determine Chroma

STEP 3

* Determine the hue
* Check whether the natural tooth is more yellowish or more reddish than the shade sample selected.

Final

images and content courtesy of: www.vident.com