J Clin Exp Dent. 2021;13(10):e1061-6. Vasoconstrictor, anxiety and cardiodynamic constants e1061 Journal section: Esthetic Dentistry Publication Types: Case Report Digital selection of composite resin shade using cross polarized photography and a standardized white balance gray reference card Panagiotis Ntovas 1 , Efstratios Papazoglou 2 1 DDS, Postgraduate Student, Department of Operative Dentistry University of Athens, Greece 2 DDS, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Athens, Greece Correspondence: Kladi 1, Glyka Nera 15354 pan.ntovas@gmail.com Received: 22/02/2021 Accepted: 24/05/2021 Abstract Purpose: The aim of the present case report was to describe, through a clinical case, a step-by-step technique, for the digital selection of composite resin shades using cross polarization and white balance employing a standardized reference card. Case Description: After intraoral impression, a digital diagnostic wax up was developed. A 3D printed cast was used to fabricate a lingual polyvinyl siloxane matrix. First a cross-polarized image of the contralateral central in- cisor was taken in RAW format, using a gray reference card. The digital image was manipulated using this card as a reference, to obtain reliable color values. The obtained color values, from the contralateral central incisor, were used in order to digitally fnd the closest combination of enamel and dentin shades between various composite systems. The values of a combination of shades of composite systems, was captured using cross-polarized images, with a gray reference card, after digital image manipulation of composite specimens, which have been created for this purpose. Conclusions: Digital evaluation and selection of composite resin system and shade, using a white balance reference card assisted by cross polarized photography, could help achieving more predictable outcomes using the stratifca- tion technique with composites. Key words: Restoration shade, composite color, composite resin, direct restoration, digital protocol. doi:10.4317/jced.58340 https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.58340 Introduction In anterior direct restorations, the replication of the optical characteristics of natural teeth constitutes a challenge (1). Better understanding of the inherent characteristics of the dental tissues, allied with the improvement of restorative techniques, grant the opportunity for the construction of natural looking restorations (2). However, shade selection with composite resins can still be a challenge. Shade selection usually is carried out subjectively, using prefabricated shade guides under non-controlled light conditions, leading to errors in color selection (3). The- se shade guides often are made from ceramic with di- fferent optical properties compared to composite resins (4). Also, there are differences in composite’s color, for the same shade among commercial brands or even batch numbers. Ntovas P, Papazoglou E. Digital selection of composite resin shade using cross polarized photography and a standardized white balance gray refer- ence card. J Clin Exp Dent. 2021;13(10):e1061-6. Article Number: 58340 http://www.medicinaoral.com/odo/indice.htm © Medicina Oral S. L. C.I.F. B 96689336 - eISSN: 1989-5488 eMail: jced@jced.es Indexed in: Pubmed Pubmed Central® (PMC) Scopus DOI® System