Dental crowns come in all different types of materials; however, when a patient prefers a tooth-colored option, it requires dentists to work their magic to ensure it matches existing, natural tooth enamel. Learn how this process is performed and what it takes to perfectly blend together artificial and natural teeth for a seamless look.
Pre-Dental Crown Treatment
Before patients receive customized dental crowns, many dentists often recommend professional teeth whitening. Although it may sound odd, the reason is that if a person is unhappy with the color of their natural teeth, this process can brighten smiles to appear healthier and more vibrant.
For those who want their new crown to match a whiter smile, this can be an effective and affordable solution before undergoing treatment for a customized restoration.
Identifying the Ideal Shade
When arriving for the first dental crown appointment, the dentist will likely use a cover to conceal any bright colors that a patient is wearing. This helps to minimize the contrast that can make it difficult to identify the appropriate shade.
Using what is referred to as a shade guide, this tool is a plastic or metal card that includes artificial teeth of various shades. Holding it up to the patient’s smile, the dentist will compare the natural tooth enamel color to those found in the guide.
There are three components to consider when identifying the perfect shade: the value, the hue, and the chroma. Dentists typically start by finding the value before moving on to the other two. It is best for dental professionals to be surrounded by natural light, as this will ensure the shade chosen closely mimics it.
After draping a cover (grab bib) over the patient’s clothes, the dentist will be able to reposition their eyes to avoid becoming overly tired. After staring at a sample shade for too long, the eyes can be deceiving, which is why having a neutral color to contrast the shades helps make the process much easier.
Once the appropriate shade is selected, they may opt for a colleague to come in for a second opinion to ensure their choice is appropriate and well-matched. The dentist will then write down the chosen shade and include it with the desired specifications, which lab technicians will use when crafting the customized dental crown.
The result is a natural-looking, beautiful restoration that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the patient’s smile.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we are pleased to have a team of professionals who are committed to helping individuals embrace healthier smiles. By providing exceptional restorative care, patients can feel confident moving forward with treatment knowing our team will carefully assess their smiles and recommend the appropriate option for repairing and restoring smiles. If you would like to learn how you can achieve a natural-looking aesthetic, visit our website or call (847) 443-5356.