If you have a tooth that needs some extra support after experiencing decay or an injury, your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown. Fortunately, they aren’t noticeable anymore. You no longer need to deal with a dark line around the base of the tooth. Your dentist has a way of making your crown look so much like part of your tooth, you won’t even be able to tell the difference. But how are they able to get the color down so perfectly? Continue reading to learn more about the color-matching process.
Selecting the Ideal Color
Crowns can be made in numerous different shades. You may be thinking that whiter is better when it comes to the appearance of your repaired tooth, but this generally isn’t the case. A new crown should blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. A bright, white tooth can look odd and unnatural. Discoloration occurs over time as patients age as a result of several different factors. If a patient wants to achieve a brighter smile, teeth whitening is recommended before the final shade selection so that the crown matches perfectly.
What If There Is Color Variation?
No one is perfect, and neither are our teeth. You might discover that you have teeth that don’t all match each other exactly, so what does your dentist do them? This can make the process of color-matching more difficult. In this case, it usually makes the most sense for your dentist to match the adjacent tooth. The front teeth tend to have a thinner layer of dentin in the teeth, causing them to appear lighter, but canine teeth have a thick layer of dentin. Ultimately, the goal is to be as symmetrical as possible.
Color Matching Shade Guide
The most common tool that’s used for matching the color of a tooth is a shade guide. This is a metal or plastic card with fake porcelain teeth of many different shades arranged in a particular order. Your dentist will hold this by your teeth to find the most ideal shade for your unique crown.
Customized Shading
When a single tooth is being replaced and some other cases, custom shading can be done. The intrinsic details of the adjacent teeth are analyzed so the need tooth can be crafted to match the rest of your smile. This includes a combination of photos and a consultation.
The appearance of your crown matters, so matching the color is crucial. This way, you are able to show off natural-looking, healthy pearly whites!
About the Author
Dr. Norman C. Sommers is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed dental implant training at Midwest Implant Institute. He is also certified in CEREC CAD/CAM dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the North Central Ohio Dental Society. For more information on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment at his office in Norwalk, visit his website or call (419) 668-3606.
