Esthetics and communication with a custom shade guide.

Several excellent systems (porcelain to metal, high-strength core jacket, and laminated veneers) exist for the fabrication of realistic porcelain restorations. The usefulness of any of these systems is enhanced by being able to transfer shade information from the patient to the ceramist. Communication is thus facilitated and a leading cause of remakes decreased. Esthetics can be improved, as the dentist and technician can use both the wide color range of existing commercial porcelains to better advantage. Colors and effects that are seen can be duplicated not only at the surface with surface stains, but also within the restoration, as desired. Shade tabs that are more realistic and common to both the laboratory and the dental office make possible the broadening of the scope of the teeth that can be matched. Patients are demanding better esthetics in all forms of tooth color materials. This is one challenge of restorative prosthodontics.