What is recommended when it is hard to match the shade of adjacent teeth?

When it is challenging to match the shade of adjacent teeth, selecting a shade that is lower in color saturation and less gray is often recommended. This approach is beneficial because a lighter or less saturated color can blend more effectively with varying shades of natural teeth, which may have subtleties not easily matched with exact shades.

Additionally, if the adjacent teeth are not uniform in color or have varying saturation, a less intense color can create a more harmonious and blended appearance, reducing the stark contrast that might arise from a shade that is too bold or saturated. This method takes into account the need to achieve a natural look, especially in restorative work, where the goal is to make the dental restoration appear seamless within the natural dentition.

Choosing a shade lighter or darker can sometimes draw attention to the restoration, highlighting the difference rather than integrating it with the natural teeth. Identifying a shade that is less gray also helps in achieving vibrancy and life-like qualities in restoration, which is often compromised with overly gray shades. Thus, opting for a shade lower in saturation and less gray emerges as a practical choice for effective shade matching in dentistry.