Restorative & Materials · single question
In the VITA Classical shade guide, what does '3' represent in the shade 'A3'?
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Correct answer: C. Chroma
In the VITA Classical shade guide: The LETTER (A, B, C, D) = HUE (the basic color family: A=reddish-brown, B=reddish-yellow, C=gray, D=reddish-gray). The NUMBER (1, 2, 3, 4) = CHROMA (saturation/intensity of the color — higher number = more saturated/darker). VALUE (lightness/darkness) is not directly shown in the alphanumeric designation but generally: lower chroma numbers = higher value. So in A3: A=hue, 3=CHROMA. C is correct.
- A. Value (brightness) is not directly coded in the classical guide's labelling, which is precisely its main criticism — the tabs are not arranged by value. The VITA 3D-MASTER guide was developed to address this, arranging tabs primarily by value (groups 1-5), then chroma, then hue.
- B. Translucency is not represented at all in the classical shade guide; it is assessed separately, particularly at the incisal third.
- C. CORRECT. In the VITA classical system the NUMBER indicates CHROMA — the saturation or intensity of the colour. Within group A, the progression A1 to A2 to A3 to A3.5 to A4 represents steadily increasing saturation of the same basic hue. A3 is therefore a moderately saturated reddish-brown.
- D. The LETTER indicates HUE, the basic colour family: A = reddish-brown, B = reddish-yellow, C = grey, D = reddish-grey.
Note: To arrange classical VITA tabs by VALUE from brightest to darkest, the conventional order is B1, A1, B2, D2, A2, C1, C2, D4, A3, D3, B3, A3.5, B4, C3, A4, C4. Many clinicians simply pre-sort their guide this way.
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