Prevalence, satisfaction and preference of tooth shades and their correlation with age, gender and skin color: A cross sectional study

Shade selection is a crucial factor influencing patient satisfaction with dental prostheses and the overall success of treatment. Conventional visual methods of shade selection are inherently subjective, regardless of the availability of dental records or photographs. This study aims to assess the prevalence, satisfaction, and preference of tooth shades in a cross-section of the local Indian population and to evaluate their correlation with age, gender, and skin color in a diverse sample of 120 participants visiting the outpatient department of this Institution. Methods: A total of 120 participants, comprising 60 males and 60 females across four age groups (20-30, 30-40, 40-50, and 50-60 years), were visually evaluated using the VITA 3D Master shade guide. Participants also indicated their satisfaction with their current tooth shade and their preferred shade. Results: Value 2 was the most prevalent existing shade (52.5%) and the most preferred across all groups, especially among individuals aged 41-50 years (p < 0.001). Satisfaction was highest among males aged 41–50 years. No significant association was found between skin color and tooth shade preference or satisfaction. Conclusions: The results suggest that shades in the Value 2 category are universally preferred, offering a useful reference for shade selection in clinical practice.