USE OF PORTABLE SPECTROPHOTOMETER SOLVES COLOR MATCH PROBLEM

Abstract

Custom high-definition silicone restorations and cosmetic covers for prostheses are intended to match the appearance of the user’s sound-side limb. In addition to the physical characteristics, the cover must match the user’s skin color. This color match is a difficult process and traditionally has been done subjectively by the practitioner attempting to match standard color swatches to the patient’s skin tone. Ambient light and the practitioner’s judgment affect this process. A new portable spectrophotometer has been developed to solve this problem. It measures the color, removing the subjectivity from the process. These measurements have 5 times greater resolution than the color swatch approach. It also blocks ambient light and provides its own broad-spectrum light to assure a good color match across the entire optical spectrum. As a result, the color match will be good regardless of the lighting condition during the evaluation. This approach substantially improves the process, resulting in a better color match and greater acceptance by the user.