Digi-Color®

What is it?

Digi-Color is a tool that O’Brien Dental Lab has developed to assist with doctor/laboratory communication about complex tooth restoration aesthetics.

The Digi-Color program is multi-faceted. It combines specific digital photography equipment and procedures, shade tab selection and written notations. When these are properly utilized, they provide the best available information for the technician who is attempting to replicate teeth with unique characterizations not easily described by one method alone.

(It is not necessary to utilize this system for posterior teeth or those with “shade guide perfect” color.)

Our System

After years of researching and acting as a beta test site for various digital color systems in development, we finally selected one for the photo analysis component of our program. Utilizing digital photography that includes specific color references (see “taking photos” below), our software creates both a high-quality, color-balanced photo and a color map for use by the technician.

How does it work?

Using a high-resolution digital camera, a photo is taken of the patient’s natural teeth. Black and white color standards are included in the photo setup as well as a shade tab. From the pure black and white standards, the computer system is able to make corrections to the photo’s color and produce a true, color-balanced image. The software processes the color-balanced image and prints it onto a specially developed Kodak paper. The result is an extremely accurate photographic image, a tool that the lab technician uses as a visual aid to see color relationships between the tooth and the color references, as well as staining, translucency, contour and other visual nuances.

Next, the computer analyzes the color properties of the color-balanced digital image, using the standards we created based on our porcelains. It then generates a second tool, a color map. The color map transforms the color-balanced photo image into patterns of color that correlate to the closest selection of our porcelain powders needed to achieve the desired shades. Thus, the technician has two different guides to use when creating a restoration.

How accurate is it?

Imitating the complexity of the natural tooth with manufactured materials is the ever-present challenge for restorative dentistry. Like most things, 100% accuracy is what we strive for, but the restorative process and its materials limit us. We are pleased with the improvements that Digi-Color has brought to the process and feel it is the best program available today for enhancing communication. As we improve tools such as this, we help increase results in restoration fabrication.

What do I need to get started?

There are three essential items you will need in order to start using our Digi-Color system.

The first is a digital camera. (See below for recommended camera setup.)

The second thing you will need is a standard Vita classic or Chromascop^® shade tab.

And finally, you will need a black and white reference tab. This is a piece of photo paper with pure black and white squares printed on it. Using the reference tab, our system determines the correct brightness/contrast adjustment for the picture. We will provide you with as many reference tabs as you need.

The digital images from your office may be sent to us either by e-mail at shade@obrien-dl.com or on the memory disk provided with your digital camera.

The camera  

Throughout the development of the Digi-Color system, we tested numerous digital cameras as they were introduced, but found that the major drawback to every point-and-shoot camera was the flash. While we found a handful of cameras that did a fairly good job, the results were less than ideal.

The introduction of digital SLR cameras brought the option of a dual flash attachment. Using a macro lens and a dual flash setup, we can produce images that are superior in quality and color accuracy to all the others we had tried. We find that using this setup also offers manual control over aperture and exposure. It is important to note that the dual flash setup is the best way to illuminate teeth and record their image. It eliminates the harsh reflections that result from using ring lights or onboard flashes.

The best camera we have found to utilize this setup is the Canon Digital Rebel XT. What makes the Rebel so attractive is the Canon MT-24 EX Macro Twin Lite, which has two flash heads than can be attached to a macro bracket or directly to the lens. This makes the Canon setup smaller, lighter and less expensive than previous customized setups. Click here for full specifications and estimated cost on camera system.

Taking Photos

Here are some important factors: Take a shade as you normally would. After you have chosen the shade tab that best resembles the tooth being matched, use that shade tab in your photos. It is ok to use more than one shade tab, but you should only use one tab per photo. Multiple photos are always a good idea. Make sure that the number of the shade tab being used is visible in the photo. The shade tab should be held on the same plane of the tooth being matched, incisal-to-incisal.

In order to digitally color correct your photo, a black/white tab and a shade tab must both be included in the photo. (See example at top of page.) The black/white tab should be held as close as possible to the tooth being matched. In some cases it helps to angle the tab slightly forward or backward to deflect light and reduce glare. After the shot has been taken, check the photo to see that the black part of the tab looks black. If it is gray or white from the flash, it will be inaccurate when run through the software.

In general, the better the photography and information is that you supply, the more successful the case outcome will be. Deviation from suggested equipment and procedures may compromise your results.

Optimal Settings

F-Stop = 28 – 32 range

Photo setting = Manual

Shutter speed =  25 – 250 range

ISO = 100 -- 200 range

Manual Focus

Relotions = Large

Image Quality = Fine

What does it cost?

The Digi-Color service is free of charge to our customers!

For patients who are available to visit our laboratory, we are happy to provide digital photography and shade notation for you. This service is also offered free of charge, by appointment only. Please call ahead to arrange a time for your patient’s visit.

Will you help me?

Yes! Alex Rugh is our in-house Digi-Color expert. If you require technical assistance or have questions regarding the compatibility of your digital camera, be sure to contact Alex at (800) 445-5941 or shade@obrien-dl.com

Click here to send digital photos