Patient photos are crucial when case planning and communicating with your laboratory. Sending digital pictures of your case can make the difference between creating a great restoration and an extraordinary one.

Here are our 5 tips to help make your photographs more effective:

1. Take pictures before prepping: Taking the shade should be the first step, while teeth are well hydrated and clean of debris.

2. Include shade tabs in the pictures: We must see the tab's number in the picture. Use only 1 tab per picture. Also include a stump shade picture after prepping.

3. Shade tab placement is important: The shade tab needs to be in the same plane as the tooth and placed incisal edge to incisal edge.

4. Sit the patient upright: Have the patient looking straight ahead. This will avoid reflections from lights and unwanted shades.

5. Choose the right flash: While a ring flash is great for occlusal and posterior shots, twin flashes are best for anteriors and shade taking.

Camera Settings:

• ISO: 100

• F: 22

• Shutter speed: 1/125

• Flash Manual: 1/1 not tlt

• Distance between lens and subject: 9 inches