In the case of inadequate shade matching, what strategy should be employed?

Choosing to adjust with less gray and saturation in the case of inadequate shade matching is the most effective strategy. This approach allows for a more precise alignment with the natural color of teeth. Gray tones can often dull the appearance of a restoration, making it look unnatural or less vibrant. By decreasing the gray and saturation, the color becomes more lively and can better mimic the overall appearance of surrounding teeth, which is crucial for achieving a seamless integration in dental restorations.

This method helps refine the shade by focusing on the subtle nuances of color that may have been overlooked initially. On the other hand, using darker or lighter shades can lead to mismatched appearances, as those adjustments don't always consider the underlying tones of the natural teeth. Consulting extra resources, while helpful, might not directly address the immediate need for adjusting the restoration to fit the existing shade accurately. Therefore, adjusting the shades to minimize grayness and saturation directly targets the core issue of shade mismatching.