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Shade Selection Best Practice — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyRestorative DentistryShade Selection Best PracticeNDEB AFK

Which of the following is the most important consideration when selecting the shade of a ceramic restoration?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Select the shade at the beginning of the appointment under natural daylight with the shade tab held at the patient's eye level against a neutral background

Shade selection should be performed at the beginning of the appointment (before the eyes fatigue from prolonged exposure to bright operatory lights). The shade tab should be held at the patient's eye level (at arm's length), adjacent to the tooth being matched, under natural daylight (north-facing window, midday, ~5500K). Both the shade tab and tooth should be moistened. The operatory light should be dimmed or turned off. Quick glances (5-7 seconds) prevent chromatic adaptation. Multiple shade selections at different times can improve accuracy.

Reference: Shillingburg – Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics, 4th ed., 2012