Dean Dental Solutions Custom Shade Match for Crowns

Have you ever wondered, “How is shade matching done for crowns?” Well, you’re not alone.

When your dentist tells you it’s time for a crown, there are several concerns that pop up. Functionality, the steps of the procedure, and the cost of putting in the crown are all important factors to consider. But the thing that our patients ask most often is, “Will it look real? Will the shade matching for the crown match my other teeth?”

A confident, bright smile can open doors and stop traffic. It can be a significant self-esteem boost when your smile is white and even. But when your smile is damaged or mismatched, it can take an equally negative toll on your confidence.

We understand that our patients are concerned about maintaining their smiles. We’ve created this article to walk you through the crown creation and shade selection process step by step.

How Is Shade Matching Done for Crowns?

Cosmetic dentistry is both a science and an art. Rather than focusing solely on function, your dentist has to be able to carefully select and blend a color that matches your natural teeth as closely as possible.

Choosing a Material

The first step in creating a perfectly matched crown is choosing the right material. Our top recommendation for the longest-lasting and most realistic-looking crowns is always going to be porcelain. Porcelain looks and feels like natural tooth enamel and has some of the same sheen and translucence as your natural teeth.

Another important trait porcelain shares with your teeth are the ability to stain over time. If you consume a lot of coffee, tea, or colored food or beverages, you could end up with a crown that’s darker than the rest of your teeth. Since whitening treatments don’t work on crowns, you should consider monitoring your food and beverage intake accordingly.

If you are planning to whiten your teeth soon, you should do this before settling on a shade for your crown. That way, your crown will match your preferred level of white and become discolored less quickly.

Tooth Crown Shades

The next step will involve looking at a crown teeth color chart with your dentist. Your dentist will likely hold up a series of cards in several shades of white to help narrow down your options. You will also have an opportunity to compare the different shades and choose the one you’re happy with.

To ensure that you are choosing the right color for your crown, keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure that you are in a well-lit area. Bright, natural light or warm light is best. Other types of light may wash out the colors.
• Check all the samples available. You may be surprised by the color that ends up being the best fit.
• If you suffer from color blindness or have difficulty distinguishing between shades of the same color, make sure you have a third opinion. Bring someone you trust with you to the appointment to help you choose. (Generally speaking, men see far fewer colors than women on the spectrum, so bring your wife, partner, mother, or sister with you if you’re worried.)
• Don’t be afraid to speak up! If your dentist suggests a color that you’re unhappy with, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ultimately, you are the one who will live with the consequences of your decision for the next 5-10 years.
• Remove any bright lipstick before the test to avoid color comparison.

But how is shade matching done for crowns in the lab? Many dentists still rely on the naked eye and artistic intuition to help them create the perfect crowns. But some dentists help even the odds with a little help from technology. Chromascopes, photomed cameras, specialty lights that go up to 5,000 Calvin, and 3D scanning can all help your dentist get the perfect match.

The Creation of the Crown

After you select a shade, your dentist will tint the porcelain of your crown to match your teeth. This is also the step in the process when your crown will be cut by the dental lab to match your surrounding teeth as closely as possible. Digital technology and impressions of your mouth all help to ensure that your crown is a perfect fit!

After your crown is placed, your dentist will ensure that it fits perfectly. If necessary, adjustments will be made either by the lab or by filing. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of your crown’s look or feel, be sure to let your dentist know. We want to make sure you’re 100% happy before you walk out the door!

Can You Get a Crown Without a Root Canal?

The short answer is yes. You can certainly get a crown without a root canal.

If your teeth are damaged or decayed enough, your dentist may recommend an extraction. To prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth, they will likely recommend a bridge or a crown. A crown can be an excellent permanent solution to tooth extraction.

A root canal is only necessary if your tooth decay has progressed into a full-fledged gum infection. While most root canals will come with the suggestion of a crown, not all crowns require a root canal.

Cosmetic Dentistry Arkansas

For a gorgeous, confident smile, contact Dean Dental Solutions! We offer same-day crown services for patients who need their smiles repaired fast. Skip the wait and get in to see a dentist today!