How Does My Dentist Color-Match Dental Crowns?

Do you have a damaged tooth that is in need of additional support? It might be recommended that you get a dental crown. A crown is placed over the chewing surface of damaged teeth to improve its appearance, protecting it from additional damage. Dental crowns today can be designed to perfectly match the color of the surrounding teeth for a natural appearance, but how is this possible? Continue reading to learn more about this process and how it works.

Picking the Right Color

Dental crowns can be made with a wide range of shades. At first, you might think that whiter is better when it comes to dental restorations, but if a dental crown is made to be whiter than the surrounding teeth, it will stand out, appearing unnatural. Dental crowns should blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth. Since discoloration is a natural occurrence over time, a bright, white crown may not look natural against your other teeth. If you want to achieve a whiter smile, you may want to consider teeth whitening before getting your new crown. This way, it can be matched to blend in with the rest of your teeth.

How Does Color Variation Affect the Process?

No one’s teeth are perfect. You might discover that some of your teeth are different shades than other ones, and it is natural. However, it makes the color-matching process a little bit more difficult. It usually makes the most sense for your dentist to match the crown to the adjacent tooth. The front teeth tend to have a thinner layer of dentin, making them look whiter, while the canine teeth have a thicker layer of dentin, giving them a more yellow appearance. Ultimately, the goal is to make your smile look as symmetrical as possible.

Color-Matching Shade Guides

The most common tool that is used for color-matching crowns is a shade guide. This is either a metal or plastic card with fake porcelain teeth of many different shades from dark to light. Your dentist will place them next to your teeth to find the most ideal shade for your new dental crown.

Customized Shading

If a single tooth is receiving a dental crown, and in some other situations, custom shading can be completed. The intrinsic details of the adjacent teeth are analyzed, so the crown can be crafted to match the rest of your smile. This includes a combination of photos and an in-person consultation.

The health of your smile is also the top priority of your dentist, but appearance matters too! By closely color-matching your crown to the surrounding teeth, your dentist can ensure that patients leave the dental office feeling great about their smile!

About the Author

Dr. Nasim Doroudgar earned her dental doctorate from Augusta University – Dental College of Georgia. Since then, she has been committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Today, she is a proud member of several professional organizations. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (678) 404-5005.