A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucentmaterials that match an individuals preexisting tooth appearance uses a setof reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers ofvarious translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed fromactual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials havea thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likelythicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A referencetable is created based upon color measurements of each of the referencetemplates. A color measurement of the individuals preexisting teeth is thencompared to the reference table to determine which particular dentalconstruction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.
