When you require a new dental crown to protect the structure of a damaged teeth, your dentist in Baltimore has a way of making it look so natural that you can’t even tell that it isn’t your natural tooth enamel on display. But how are they able to give you such a perfect color match to the other teeth in the mouth? Read on to learn more about the color match process for dental crowns in Baltimore.
Selecting the Best Color
Crowns can be made to be all sorts of different shades. One may think that whiter is better, but this is not usually the case. A new crown should blend in naturally with the rest of the smile, and a bright white tooth usually looks odd and unnatural. Discoloration occurs over time as patients age as a result of a variety of different factors. If a patient wants to have a brighter smile, teeth whitening is recommended before the final shade selection so that the crown matches the other teeth.
When There Is Color Variation
None of us are made to be perfect, and neither are our teeth. You may find that you have natural teeth that don’t match each other exactly, so what happens them? This can make the process of color-matching more difficult. In this case, it makes the most sense for your dentist to match the adjacent tooth. The front teeth tend to have a thinner layer of yellow dentin on the inside of the teeth, making them appear whiter. On the other hand, canine teeth have a thick layer of dentin, so they are more likely to have a slightly more yellowed appearance. Symmetry is key.
Color Matching Shade Guide
The most common tool that is used to match the color of a tooth is a shade guide. This is a metal or plastic card with fake porcelain teeth of many different shades arranged in a particular order. Your dentist in Baltimore will hold this by your teeth to compare and find the perfect shade for you.
Custom Shading
When a single tooth is being replaced and other cases, custom shading can be done. The intrinsic detains of the adjacent teeth are analyzed so that a new tooth can be created that matches the rest of your smile. This involves a combination of photos and a consultation.
The aesthetics of your smile are important, so it’s crucial that the color of your new crown is matched very precisely. This way, you will be able to show of a natural-looking, heathy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Charlie Ward earned his DDS from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the Pankey Institute. With 12 years of experience, he is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (410) 583-7010.