What's the main consideration when determining the shade of a restoration?

The main consideration when determining the shade of a restoration is the assessment of lighting conditions. Proper lighting is crucial because it significantly affects the perception of color. Different light sources can alter the appearance of shades, making it essential that the evaluation takes place under standardized lighting to ensure consistency and accuracy. By assessing the lighting conditions, clinicians can better match the restoration to the existing teeth, achieving a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

While other factors such as the proximity to other teeth, the patient's preference, and polishing may influence the final outcome, they do not have the same direct impact on color perception as the lighting conditions. Factors like a patient's preference are subjective and can vary, while the proximity to other teeth is also important but primarily impacts alignment and placement rather than shade matching directly. Polishing, although it can affect surface characteristics, generally occurs after shade determination has been made. Thus, understanding the lighting conditions is paramount for precise shade evaluation in dental restorations.