I found the September JADA article on shade perception by Dr. Raed Ajlouni and colleagues interesting ("Shade-Match Perception of Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Restorations: A Comparison Between Dentist and Patient"). Unfortunately, it doesn’t really address the problem.
How do you get the shade right, especially since light source, wall color and even the daily variability of the dentist himself can be problematic?
Speaking of "shade match" is really a gross simplification of the problem. The shape, translucency, metal selection (try hi-gold alloys if you want instantly better porcelain-fused-to-metal), preparation, hue, chroma, etc., are all important.
The best way to communicate and record esthetic information is photography. A good photo, whether 35-millimeter or digital, will solve most of the problems, including satisfying the patient. Not sure about the shade? Just photograph several shades next to the adjacent tooth. Problems with the try-in? Simply photograph your restoration in place and outline your corrections on the photo.
It might be interesting to hear from a panel of shade evaluators. A good photo is more consistent, objective and useful.
