Objective: Inconsistencies among dentists in matching natural tooth shades have been documented. Some of the errors in color matching are attributed to the human variables. This study examined the reliability of a spectrophotometer in shade selection compared to visual method. Method and Materials: Nine observers with normal color vision were asked to visually and digitally match shades of nine maxillary models with their incisors being replaced by Vita Classical shade guide tabs. The same test was carried out in vivo on nine subjects’ maxillary central incisors. Observers included prosthodontists, dental technicians, and postgraduate students. Results: No significant difference was found among observers in shade selection regardless of the selection method used. However, there was a significant difference between digital and visual methods in shade selection. Digital method was five times more likely to match the original shade color compared to visual method. Conclusion: The system does not solve all problems involved in the determination of a tooth shade. Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer was more likely to match the shade compared to visual method. Nevertheless, this system needs further refinement as well as software upgrades as it has missed its own manufacturer shade tabs. Shadematching devices could help the clinician and technician achieve a better shade choice. The combination of visual shade analysis and digital shade measurement together lies in the precise predictability of the miscibility of shades. (Quintessence Int 2009;40:e69–e79)