Dental crowns may look like little white pieces of ceramic, but if you look closely, they’re actually colorized! This is done so that the finished crown seamlessly blends with your natural teeth. You may be wondering how dentists can match the colors so closely. It’s a delicate process, but the results speak for themselves.
If you want to learn how dentists color match dental crowns, continue reading. You’ll learn the process from start to finish.
Dental Crown Materials
Dental crowns are “caps” for teeth that strengthen and support a tooth that has been damaged by trauma or decay. They are often made from ceramic materials like porcelain due to their natural transparency and strength. Material selection is the first important factor in color-matching teeth.
Natural teeth don’t normally look like solid slabs of white marble. They have a slight transparency to them that is a result of the tooth’s structure. Porcelain and other ceramic materials can mimic this when properly colorized.
A Trained Eye and a Guide
Part of your dentist’s training is color theory and developing an eye for aesthetics. With the help of a small color-matching guide that holds several swatches of tooth colors. Think of it as a paint chip book but for your teeth. With this guide and their trained ability to perceive colors, they can accurately match a swatch to your natural tooth tone.
Improved Dental Technology
Of course, dentists don’t always need to rely on sight alone. There are dedicated color-matching machines called spectrometers that can digitally inspect your teeth to interpret their color. These machines tend to be more accurate than eyeball tests alone.
Once the spectrometer has done its work, your dentist may take scans or digital photos of your teeth. These are then sent to a dental lab where your crown is made.
Dental Lab Collaboration
Dentists often collaborate with dental laboratories equipped with skilled technicians. The dental lab crafts dental crowns with precision and attention to detail. When the crown is made, the technicians will reference the notes and images from your dentist to assess its color.
Once a decision is made, the techs will then choose the right color of ceramic material to make the crown. This creates a base for more exact colors to be glazed on later. The glazing process is usually also handled by the dental lab, but your dentist may also want to put the finishing touches on a personalized crown themselves.
No two dental crowns are alike. Every piece is fashioned and fabricated for the patient it’s intended for. Dentists strive to make the correct color choices every time to ensure that your smile stays natural-looking and attractive. Through a blend of artistry, technology, and expertise, dentists ensure that every crown is a masterpiece.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham has always enjoyed dentistry for how it blends art and science. After receiving her dental doctorate from the Temple University School of Dentistry, she opened her own practice, ready to help her patients reach their smile goals. Since then she has expanded her skills and services through continuing education such as the renowned Las Vegas Institute of Neuromuscular and Restorative Dentistry. Call (703) 666-3867 to schedule an appointment at Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg, or visit the website to learn more.