If you have a tooth that needs some extra support after its experienced decay or an injury, your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown. The good news is that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. No one will even be able to tell that you have one. This is because your dentist has a way of making your crown look so much like part of your tooth that you won’t even be able to tell the difference. But how can get the process down so perfectly? Here’s what the process looks like.
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 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 against the rest of them. Discoloration occurs over time as people 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 with 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 giving them a slightly more yellowed appearance. 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 with a dental crown and in some other cases, custom shading can be done. The intrinsic details of the adjacent teeth are analyzed so the 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 color-matching is very important. Ultimately, the goal is for you to show off natural-looking, healthy teeth!
About the Author
After obtaining his undergraduate degree in India, Dr. Sumit Chanana attended the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine to earn his dentist doctorate. To this day, he is committed to continuing education to expand his clinical knowledge and skills. For more information on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment at his office in Brookfield, visit his website or call (262) 563-9100.