ClearMatch®

How to take a good ClearMatch picture

You can use any shade tab but we recommend an A2 from the Vita ® Classical standard in all of your pictures. Take the pictures prior to prep so the teeth are hydrated.

The lab will analyze your pictures and need to know what shade tab was used. Unless otherwise stated, they will assume it is an A2.

You do not need to use a shade tab that matches the patient's teeth.
Hold the "Black and White Standard" with shade tab below the tooth you want analyzed. Rotatethe incisal edge upward on the shade tab. See pictures below. This will help to minimize flash reflection on the shade tab especially in the center or sweet spot. It may be helpful to rest the "Black and White Standard" on the patient's lip.

• When taking a picture, angle the "Black and White Standard" so the reflection from the flash is toward the gingival area of the shade tab. You do not want flash or overhead light reflection in the center or sweet spot of the shade tab.
• The color black on the "Black and White Standard" needs to look black and not gray. The gray appearance can be caused by the camera's flash. Increasing the angle of the "Black and White Standard" will correct this issue
• Either e-mail or send three pictures on your memory card to your lab along with the patient's name.

There are some key benefits to having ClearMatch: For the first time, direct composite restorations can be analyzed giving you valuable information before bonding. Also, you can perform your own quality control check on a restoration prior to seating a case. If the shade or value is off, you may want to reschedule the patient so you don't lose valuable chair time. Most importantly, your communication level with your laboratory is greatly improved.

"Dental Learning Centers" is an Official ClearMatch® Distributor. We provide, for a reasonable fee, training and coaching courses for digital photography tailored to your needs - call us for details. This can be one-on-one in your office or you can attend one of our courses. Please call Bob Braunston for assistance at 425.557.7788. We will be pleased to answer any of your questions.

Dentistry and photography by Dr. Ross Nash, Charlotte, North Carolina (photos unretouched)

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