What does 'chroma' refer to in crown shade selection?

In the context of crown shade selection, 'chroma' specifically refers to the saturation of a color. It measures the intensity or purity of the color, indicating how vivid or muted a shade appears. A high chroma means the color is bright and intense, while a low chroma indicates a more diluted or pastel version of the color. This concept is critical in dentistry, as achieving an aesthetically pleasing crown that blends well with natural teeth requires careful consideration of chroma alongside other attributes like value (lightness) and hue (color type).

While the other attributes related to color, such as lightness or temperature, play vital roles in shade selection, they do not encompass the specific definition of chroma. Thus, understanding chroma helps dental professionals create restorations that match the natural appearance of teeth more effectively.