New digital approach to posterior tooth color reproduction in biomimetic adhesive restorations.

This article focuses on a systematic digital workflow for accurate tooth shade determination and reproduction in posterior indirect composite restorations. Inspired by the eLABor_aid protocol originally developed for anterior ceramics, the approach employs standardized digital photography using DSLR cameras with cross-polarization filters and achromatic gray reference cards to objectively measure and communicate tooth color in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The protocol enables consistent color matching between clinicians and dental technicians without direct patient-technician interaction, improving optical integration and reducing shade mismatches in adhesive posterior restorations. Clinical and laboratory steps include calibrated image acquisition, digital white balance correction, and sequential digital try-ins to guide composite layering, ultimately facilitating esthetic and biomechanically sound restorations even across geographic distances.