Shade Selection Photography

Digital workflow relies on precision. When you send a color sample to the lab, most often the path is through photography. Bad photography = the lab guesses the color, and you receive work that doesn't match the patient's intention.

Problem: Photo Does Not Show Actual Color

• Photo in artificial light — the sample looks warm, but in daylight it's cool
• Too close, too much zoom — no context of the natural tooth visible
• Glares on the sample — light reflections obscure the true color
• Background changes perception — the sample on a dark background appears lighter

Physics of Light — Why Every Lighting Changes Color

Type	Temperature	Problem	Recommendation
Natural light	5500K	Varies throughout the day	Ideal, but avoid direct sun at noon
Halogen	3000K	Too warm (yellow)	Not for color photos
LED 5000-6500K	5000–6500K	Depends on type	Increasingly common in practices — works well

Digital Compression Artifacts — What Happens to a Photo via WhatsApp

WhatsApp compresses to ~60-70% of the original size. The algorithm removes details in color transitions. Reduction of the color palette, mosquito noise. Result: a WhatsApp photo is an interpretation of an artifact, not the real color.

Protocol for Shade Selection Photography

Lighting temperature: 5500K — professional photography standard.

Diffused lighting — diffuser or ring light.

Macro camera — tooth at natural magnification.

White balance — manual white balance on white paper.

Sending an uncompressed file — email, laboratory portal, or WeTransfer. Never WhatsApp, Messenger, SMS.

Practical Tips for the Clinician

1. Use 5500K lighting without directional reflections.
2. Send directly from the file, without compression via Messenger.
3. Attach a reference scale of a natural tooth.
4. Describe discolorations, if visible.
5. Ensure the shade-taking procedure is always consistent.

Can I edit the photo to make it look more natural?

No. Any change in brightness, contrast, or color saturation alters the perception of color in the lab. Send the original.

Is the LED light in the dental chair sufficient?

It depends. Modern LEDs (5000–6500K) — yes, but add a 5500K LED ring light. Old LEDs (3000K) — no.

Do I need to send 3 photos or is one enough?

One good photo is sufficient. But a series (close-up + context) is safer.