Effect of gender, experience, and value on color perception

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Precise shade matching can be one of the most difficult tasks for the dentist and some variables may influence the process of shade comparison. Purpose of the Study: This study tested the differences in shade perception between genders, the influence of the observer's clinical experience, and the value of ceramics in correct shade selection. Material and Methods: A total of 45 women and 54 men compared 16 pairs of ceramic disks according to shades. The χ 2 and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze the results, adopting 5% as the level of statistical significance. An analysis of risk was also performed to evaluate the variables. Results: The results indicated that there were statistical differences among gender, clinical experience, and shades in discriminating ceramics. Conclusions: Men and observers with more clinical experience were more successful in discriminating shades, although darker shades were selected more correctly than the lighter ones. © 2012 Operative Dentistry, Inc.