Although many dental crowns are crafted from metal, they often have many disadvantages that keep patients from seeking help. Their visibility is largely the most common reason individuals avoid treatment; however, this no longer has to be the case thanks to lifelike, natural-looking dental crowns. But how does a dentist match them to look almost identical to a person’s normal tooth shade? Keep reading to find out.
What is the Process for Color-Matching a Dental Crown?
When a dentist prepares a dental crown for a patient, there are a few steps that are required to ensure it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the smile. The process starts with using a shade guide, which is a small card with porcelain teeth that range in various shades.
The dentist will hold it up to a patient’s teeth and begin to compare them to the different ones located on the card. It’s important to note that there are different factors a dentist will look at when choosing the right shade. For example, they will consider the tooth’s value (light or dark), before determining the correct hue (color) and chroma (saturation or color intensity).
What Can Help Ensure a Correct Match?
Dentists use different mediums to choose the right shade for a dental crown. The use of natural light is always preferred, especially since incandescent light bulbs can give off a yellowish color.
Also, a patient may need to remove any bright hues (i.e., lipstick) that may make it harder for the dentist to pinpoint the exact shade. If clothing is an issue, a neutral, gray bib can be placed over the patient so that it does not distract from the dentist’s ability to see colors correctly.
Patients should not be surprised if their dentist asks a colleague for help, though, as they often find that two pairs of eyes are better than one. Having another professional provide their opinion can make for a more confident choice.
The Creation & Placement Process of a Crown
Once a dentist identifies the correct shade, they will make a note of it in their specifications, which will be sent to a dental laboratory along with the patient’s digital impression. This will allow lab technicians to carefully craft the crown using the information provided.
When returned to the dentist’s office, the crown will be polished and set in place to create a seamless and blended smile.
You don’t have to settle for unsightly metal when seeking a dental crown. Instead, you can place your smile in the hands of a trusted professional who can take the necessary steps to ensure your artificial tooth blends in nicely with your surrounding teeth, producing a natural-looking smile.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Berquist is a dentist in Derby who received his dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. At Berquist Family Dentistry, he works diligently to help patients maintain smiles that are better protected against tooth decay. This is why customized dental crowns are a popular solution in our office. Not only are they crafted to safeguard damaged or decayed teeth, but they’re color-matched to blend in beautifully with a patient’s smile. Contact us at (219) 227-6989 to learn what we can do to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.
