Abstract
For the purpose of clarifying the color of gingiva, the author applied spectroradiometry to 23 male and 20 female subjects, all in their twenties, to measure the normal gingiva. As a result, the following facts have been obtained:
1. The spectral distribution of gingiva gradually rose as short wavelength proceeded to long wavelength, and the two absorption bands were clearly observed between 540 nm and 610nm, particularly around 540 nm and 580 nm. But denture base resin drew a curve different from the above.
2. Concerning the distribution range under the standard souce D 65,
Male incisor area: L*=48.46, Cab*=26.15, Hab°=37.57,
Male canine area: L*= 46.25, Cab*=26.42, Hab°=39.71,
Female incisor area: L* = 50.23, Cab* =27.42, Hab°=38.22,
Female canine area: L* = 47.66, Cab* =25.86, Hab°= 40.98,
3. When removable partial denture is constructed for the anterior area, it is suggested that, instead of using standardized color denture base resin, brighter and fresher yellowish hue females than males, and darker and more yellowish color denture base, should be used in the canine area than in the central incisor area, considering the regional differences in color, in order to obtain the color closer to that of natural gingiva.
