In vivo assessment of gloss from surfaces of complex shapes: the particular case of the human tooth

Cleaning and polishing of teeth is carried out to improve the aesthetic looks and also to minimise food particles sticking to the surface of the tooth. Any procedure done on the tooth tends to change the gloss or shine of the tooth. Currently, there is no instrument available to measure or quantify the change in the gloss under clinical conditions on the surface of a complex shape such as a live tooth. This paper describes the application of a portable glossmeter that can be used by the end user of oral hygiene products to evaluate the efficacy of the product under the household or clinical conditions. Also, the patient himself can evaluate results of any procedure carried out by the dental surgeon. It should be noted that other industrial applications with complex shapes requiring evaluation of a surface finish are also likely to find this technique of value.