Do you have a tooth that needs a little bit of extra support? It might be recommended that you get a dental crown. This is a cap that is placed over the chewing surface of your tooth to protect it, rebuild its structure, and improve its appearance. Dental crowns today can be designed to blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance. Continue reading to learn how your dentist makes this possible!
Choosing the Right Color
Dental crowns can be made with a wide range of shades. At first, you may think that whiter is better when it comes to dental restorations, but if a crown is made to be whiter than the surrounding teeth, it will stand out, appearing strange and 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 right against your other teeth. If you want to achieve a whiter smile, you may want to consider having your teeth whitened before getting your dental crown. This way, your dentist can color-match it to blend in with the rest of your teeth.
How Does Color Variation Affect the Process?
No one’s teeth are perfect. You might notice that some of your teeth are different shades than other ones, and this 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 have a thinner layer of dentin, making them look whiter while the canine teeth have a thicker layer of dentin, giving them a slightly more yellow appearance. The goal in the end is to make your teeth look as symmetrical as possible.
Color-Matching Shade Guide
The most common tool that is used for color-matching 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 from your new crown.
Custom Shading
If a single tooth is receiving a dental crown, and some other situations, custom shading can be completed. The intrinsic details of the adjacent teeth are analyzed, so the crown can be made to match the rest of your smile. This includes a combination of photos and an in-person consultation.
The health of your smile is always your dentist’s top priority, 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 confident to show off their smiles with confidence!
About the Author
Dr. Brandon Jewell earned his dental doctorate from Meharry Dental School. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He has earned certifications in 3D scanning, BOTOX/fillers, and Opioid Health Crisis Training. He also has extensive dental implant and root canal training. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, and SPEAR Education. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (615) 302-1414.