Snapshot polarization imaging for detecting changes in tooth color and demineralization

Tooth color is an important parameter in cosmetic dentistry, to measure staining, effects of whitening products, or for matching the appearance of implants to neighboring teeth. The apparent color of teeth is affected by surface (extrinsic) and sub-surface (intrinsic) factors and is still assessed qualitatively by the dentist's visual impression. This study used a new color polarization camera to quantify tooth color. Recent commercial availability of snapshot color polarization cameras offers a new approach to rapidly quantify tissue color with depth selectivity. We applied this technology to quantify tooth color and are currently investigating its use in assessment of enamel demineralization.