What should clinicians avoid when positioning the patient for shade selection?

When selecting a shade for dental restorations, clinicians must ensure that the lighting conditions are optimal for making accurate visual assessments. Direct lighting in the mouth can create harsh contrasts and reflections that distort the natural shade of the teeth. This type of lighting can make it difficult to perceive the actual color, as it may accentuate certain hues while overshadowing others, leading to an inaccurate selection.

In contrast, adequate ambient light helps create a balanced illumination that is less likely to create glare or direct reflections, allowing for a more accurate interpretation of the tooth shades. Additionally, the patient's upright positioning can contribute to a more realistic view of the teeth in their natural orientation. The use of shade guides is an important tool in shade selection, enabling clinicians to make comparisons against standardized shades.

Understanding how lighting and positioning impact shade selection is crucial for achieving successful aesthetic outcomes in dentistry. Proper techniques help ensure the selected shade harmonizes well with the surrounding dentition, leading to better results in restorative procedures.