Ocular dominance and visual color perception: A study on the overlooked factor in dental esthetics

Context: In contemporary dentistry, the growing emphasis on esthetics has made shade selection both a critical and demanding task. Precisely interpreting visual cues is essential for achieving natural and harmonious restorations in clinical practice. Aims: To examine how ocular dominance influences accuracy in shade matching and perception of tooth color in esthetic and restorative dental treatments. Methods: A total of 80 participants, group 1: faculty members ( n = 33) and group 2: Postgraduates students ( n = 47) were assessed for eye dominance using Mile’s test, color perception using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test, and shade matching using the Vitapan Classical shade guide. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean difference between the dominant and non-dominant eye was compared by using the Student’s- t -test, where, P < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical inference. Results: Right eye dominance was observed in 71.2% of participants. FM-100 hue test scores were significantly lower (better perception) in the dominant eye across both groups ( P < 0.01). Shade matching accuracy was significantly higher in the dominant eye for both groups, with faculty members (Group 1) performing better overall ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Eye dominance positively affects shade matching and color perception, particularly in individuals with greater clinical experience.