The Vita Shade Guide is an indispensable tool in dentistry, serving as the gold standard for tooth shade matching. Accurate shade determination is crucial for esthetic dental restorations, ensuring patient satisfaction and natural-looking results. However, various shade systems exist, which can sometimes lead to confusion when converting between different guides. This comprehensive guide provides essential Vita shade conversion charts and information to streamline your shade matching process and enhance your dental practice.
Understanding the Vita Shade Guide
The Vita shade guide, developed by Vita Zahnfabrik, is a system used globally to determine the shade of a patient’s teeth for dental restorations. It categorizes tooth shades into a logical order based on hue, chroma, and value. Understanding the Vita shade system is fundamental for effective communication with dental labs and achieving predictable esthetic outcomes.
The Vita Classical Shade Guide
The original Vita Classic shade guide arranges shades into four groups based on hue:
- A (Reddish-Brownish): Shades A1-A4
- B (Reddish-Yellowish): Shades B1-B4
- C (Greyish Tones): Shades C1-C4
- D (Reddish-Grey): Shades D2-D4
Within each group, the shades are further numbered by chroma (intensity of color), with 1 being the lightest and 4 being the darkest. While widely used, the Vita Classical guide has limitations in capturing the full spectrum of natural tooth shades.
The Vita 3D-Master Shade Guide
To address the limitations of the Classic guide, Vita introduced the 3D-Master shade guide. This system is organized in a more perceptually uniform color space, covering a broader range of natural tooth shades. The Vita 3D-Master is structured around three parameters:
- Value (Lightness): Groups 0-5, with 0 being the lightest and 5 being the darkest.
- Chroma (Saturation): Levels 1, 2, and 3 within each value group, representing increasing chroma.
- Hue (Color): L (Yellowish), M (Neutral), and R (Reddish) within each value and chroma combination.
The 3D-Master system offers a more detailed and accurate shade selection, particularly for complex cases demanding high esthetics.
Why Use a Vita Shade Conversion Chart?
Despite the Vita shade guide being the standard, various dental material manufacturers and older shade systems may use different nomenclatures. Vita shade conversion charts are crucial for:
- Converting between different shade systems: Translating shades from systems like Bioform, Chromascope, or others to the universally understood Vita shades.
- Working with legacy shade guides: Bridging the gap between older shade systems and modern Vita standards.
- Ensuring accurate lab communication: Providing dental laboratories with Vita shade equivalents for materials specified in other shade systems.
- Simplifying shade selection: Offering a reference point when dealing with diverse product lines and shade guides.
Vita Shade Conversion Charts for Various Systems
The following charts provide conversions from various dental shade systems to the Vita shade guide. Please note that shade conversion charts offer approximations. For the most accurate shade matching, always rely on visual assessment under controlled lighting conditions and consider using a Vita shade guide directly.
Bioform to Vita Conversion
| Bioform Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 59 | A1 |
| 51 | A1 |
| 91 | C1 |
| 62 | A1/A2 (Mix 1/2) |
| 66 | A2 |
| 52 | B2 |
| 53 | A2 |
| 92 | D2 |
| 63 | A2/A3 (Mix 1/2) |
| 54 | A3 |
| 65 | A3 |
| 93 | D3 |
| 55 | B3 |
| 69 | D4 |
| 94 | C2 |
| 95 | C2 |
| 67 | B3 |
| 56 | B3 |
| 77 | A3.5 |
| 81 | A3.5 |
| 96 | C4 |
| 83 | A3.5 |
| 84 | A4 |
| 85 | A4/B4 (Mix 1/2) |
| 64 | B2/B3 (Mix 1/2) |
| 68 | B3 |
| 70 | A3.5 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 82 | A4/B4 (Mix 1/2) or Orange Modifier in Build |
Chromascope to Vita Conversion
| Chromascope Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 110 | 01 |
| 120 | 1A |
| 130 | 2A |
| 140 | 1C |
| 210 | 2B |
| 220 | 1D |
| 230 | 1E |
| 240 | 2C |
| 310 | 3A |
| 320 | 5B |
| 330 | 2E |
| 340 | 3E |
| 410 | 4A |
| 420 | 6B |
| 430 | 4B |
| 440 | 6C |
| 510 | 6D |
| 520 | 4C |
| 530 | 3C |
| 540 | 4D |
Vitapan 3D Master to Vita Conversion
| Vitapan 3D Master Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1M-1 | B1 + White Modifier |
| 1M-2 | A1 |
| 2L-1.5 | A1 Opaque/A2 Build |
| 2L-2.5 | A3 |
| 2M-1 | 1/2 A1/D2 |
| 2M-2 | A2 |
| 2M-3 | A3 |
| 2R-1.5 | A1 Opaque/A2 Build |
| 2R-2.5 | A3 |
| 3L-1.5 | D3 Opaque D3/D4 Build Mix 1/2 |
| 3L-2.5 | A3.5 |
| 3M-1 | C1 Opaque / 2/3 C1-1/3 C2 Build |
| 3M-2 | D3 |
| 3M-3 | A3.5 |
| 3R-1.5 | D3 |
| 3R-2.5 | A3.5 |
| 4L-1.5 | C3 |
| 4L-2.5 | A3.5 Opaque/A3.5/A4 Build Mix 1/2 |
| 4M-1 | 1/2 D3/C3 |
| 4M-2 | A3.5 |
| 4M-3 | 1/2 A4/B4 |
| 4R-1.5 | D3 Opaque/D3/C2 Build Mix 1/2 |
| 4R-2.5 | A4 |
| 5M-1 | C4 Opaque/D3/C4 Build Mix 1/2 |
| 5M-2 | A4 Opaque/ 2/3 A4-1/3 C4 Build |
| 5M-3 | A4 + Orange Modifier in Opaque and Build |
Myersons Special to Vita Conversion
| Myersons Special Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| C | D3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| D | D3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| E | A3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| F | C2/A2 (Mix 1/2 Translucent Incisal) |
| G | D3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| H | B2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| I | A1 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 58 | B1 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 60 | A1 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 62 | A2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 65 | D3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 73 | A2/D3 (Mix 1/2 Translucent Incisal) |
| 41 | C3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 69 | C2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 70 | D2/D3 (Mix 1/2 Translucent Incisal) |
| 71 | D2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 74 | 2/3 C1 1/3 C2 (Translucent Incisal) |
Verident to Vita Conversion
| Verident Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| P1 | B1/C1 (Mix 1/2) |
| P2 | C1 |
| P3 | C2 |
| P4 | C1/C2 (Mix 1/2) |
| P5 | C2/C3 (Mix 1/2) |
| P6 | C3/C4 (Mix 1/2) |
| B1 | B1/C1 (Mix 1/2) |
| Y1 | B1 |
| Y2 | C1/C2 (Mix 1/2) |
| Y3 | C2 |
| Y4 | C2 |
| Y5 | C3/A3.5 (Mix 1/2) |
| Y6 | A4/C3 (Mix 1/2) |
| R1 | A1/C1 (Mix 1/2) |
| R2 | B1 Build C1 |
| R3 | C2/C3 (Mix 1/2) |
| R4 | C3/D3 (Mix 1/2) |
| R5 | A4 |
Univac to Vita Conversion
| Univac Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| P1 | A2/C1 (Mix 1/2) |
| P2 | A2 |
| P3 | A3.5/C2 (Mix 1/2) |
| P4 | C2 |
| P5 | A3.5/C3 (Mix 1/2) |
| P6 | A4/C4 (Mix 1/2) |
| B1 | A1/D1 (Mix 1/2) |
| Y1 | D2/D3 (Mix 1/2 White Translucent Incisal) |
| Y2 | D3 (White Translucent Incisal) |
| Y3 | D3 |
| Y4 | C2/D3 (Mix 1/2) |
| Y5 | A3.5 |
| Y6 | A4/C4 (Mix 1/2) |
| R1 | 2/3 C1/ 1/3 C2 (Mix White Translucent Incisal) |
| R2 | A2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| R3 | A3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| R4 | A3.5 (Translucent Incisal) |
| R5 | A4 (Translucent Incisal) |
New Hue Trubyte to Vita Conversion
| New Hue Trubyte Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 61 | A2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 62 | A2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 66 | A3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 60 | A3/A3.5 (Mix 1/2 Translucent Incisal) |
| 65 | 2/3 A3 1/3 A3.5 (Mix Translucent Incisal) |
| 67 | B3 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 69 | C2 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 77 | A3/C2 (Mix 1/2 Translucent Incisal) |
| 78 | A3.5 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 81 | A3.5 (Translucent Incisal) |
| 87 | A4 (Translucent Incisal) |
Empress Stump Shades to Vita Conversion
| Empress Stump Shade | Vita Shade (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| ST1 | ND3 |
| ST2 | ND4 |
| ST3 | ND5 |
| ST4 | ND7 |
| ST5 | ND8 |
| ST6 | ND6 |
| ST7 | ND5 |
| ST8 | ND7 |
| ST9 | ND2 |
Note: Empress Stump Shades are primarily for characterizing the underlying stump shade and are not directly comparable to traditional Vita shades for final enamel color. ND refers to Neutral Density, indicating the level of stump masking required.
Limitations of Shade Conversion Charts
It’s important to recognize the inherent limitations of any shade conversion chart:
- Approximations: Conversions are approximations and may not be perfectly accurate due to differences in shade guide manufacturing, aging, and individual perception.
- Subjectivity of Shade Matching: Shade matching is subjective and influenced by lighting conditions, surrounding colors, and the observer’s vision.
- Material and Technique Variations: The final shade of a restoration is affected by the materials used, layering techniques, and laboratory processing.
- Metamerism: Two colors may appear to match under one light source but differ under another.
Tips for Accurate Shade Matching
To improve shade matching accuracy, consider these best practices:
- Use a Vita Shade Guide: Whenever possible, use a physical Vita shade guide for direct comparison.
- Controlled Lighting: Perform shade selection under standardized daylight-corrected lighting (5500K-6500K). Avoid operatory lights.
- Neutral Background: Use a neutral grey or blue background to minimize color interference.
- Clean Teeth: Ensure teeth are clean and hydrated, as dehydration can affect tooth shade.
- Quick Assessment: Make shade selections quickly, as prolonged staring can desensitize color perception.
- Multiple Views: Assess shade from different angles.
- Patient Involvement: Involve the patient in the shade selection process and manage expectations.
- Photography: Take digital photographs with shade tabs in place for lab communication and records.
- Communication with Lab: Clearly communicate the desired Vita shade and any specific characteristics to the dental laboratory.
Conclusion
The Vita shade guide remains the cornerstone of dental shade matching. While conversion charts are valuable tools for navigating different shade systems, they should be used as a reference point rather than a definitive guide. For optimal esthetic outcomes, prioritize direct shade matching with a Vita shade guide under controlled conditions and maintain clear communication with your dental laboratory. By understanding the nuances of shade selection and utilizing Vita shade conversion charts effectively, dental professionals can consistently deliver esthetic and satisfying restorations for their patients.
