With modern dental crowns, you can effectively address decayed or damaged teeth without needing dark metallic materials. Thanks to advanced dentistry, you can restore your pearly whites with a natural-looking restoration. However, you might be wondering how exactly your dentist can create lifelike results. Read on to learn the steps they take to color-match your dental crown!
#1: Assess the Shade of Your Teeth
One of the first steps for developing a flawless restoration is to look at the shade of your pearly whites. This typically involves three factors: hue, chroma, and value. Hue is the color of your teeth, such as yellow, white, or gray. The chroma is the saturation or intensity of the hue, while the value is considered how light or dark the shade is. These few aspects will be considered for your dental team to determine which color would best blend with your natural smile.
#2: Form Natural Light Conditions
Your dentist will also need to ensure the lighting is proper when assessing the shade of your teeth. The last thing you’d want is for them to decide on a color while looking at your smile under a yellow, incandescent glow. To avoid this, you may be asked to move to the window or shine a fluorescent bulb that can mimic natural sunlight. You might even need to remove any bright lipstick or place a dark apron over you if you have a vibrant shirt on.
#3: Use a Shade Guide
After your dentist has determined the shade of your teeth and created good lighting conditions, a shade guide will be used to identify the option sharing the closest likeness. This plastic card contains artificial porcelain teeth that range in colors between deep yellow and bright white. The shade guide is also used during the veneer process to help find the kind of hue your restoration should match or improve.
#4: Receive a Second Opinion
The final step is to get a second opinion. This should only take a few minutes, but it’s essential for decreasing the chances of error. Your dentist may also hand you a mirror so that you can verify the shade they decided on. You should feel free to discuss your opinion during this time, that way you can ensure you receive your desired results.
Metal-free dental crowns can strengthen and protect compromised teeth while also blending perfectly with the rest of your smile. With these four steps, your dentist can ensure a natural-looking restoration that you can enjoy for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham studied at the Temple University School of Dentistry and regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills. She’s also a member of various prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. She provides a multitude of high-quality services, including dental crowns. If you’d like to know more about the color-matching process, visit her website or call 703-666-3867.