For total confidence in your smile, you want healthy, dazzling teeth that look completely natural. A dental crown is a common restoration that completely covers the exterior of a damaged tooth. Often made out of porcelain, your dentist can customize the shade of the crown to ensure it matches perfectly with the teeth that surround it. Keep reading to find out how this color-matching works!
The Secret to Color Matching a Crown
Dentistry has come a long way in the past decades, and these days it is routine practice to make sure a new crown blends in with the rest of your smile. Your dentist will use a special shade guide that has samples of many different shades of white. Holding them up to your tooth enamel will help your dentist select the one that matches your smile best.
Along with the color-matching guide, there are several considerations your dentist will take to achieve a cohesive look. They include:
- Making sure you are either beside a window providing natural light or under fluorescent lights that mimic natural light
- Asking you to remove any brightly colored lipstick or other makeup that can affect the appearance of your teeth
- Draping a gray or dull-colored bib over you if you are wearing a bright shirt
- Asking a colleague for a second opinion to ensure that the chosen color matches perfectly
Once the correct shade is identified, it will be sent to the lab along with the other details of your tooth, where the crown will be fabricated. You will return to your dentist’s office when the crown has been prepared and is ready for placement. Your dentist will double-check that the new restoration matches perfectly before placing it around the affected tooth.
How to Keep Your Crown Looking Natural
Once your treatment is complete, you will want to ensure that the crown stays the same shade for years to come. Avoid drinking dark-colored beverages, like sodas and black coffee, or drink them through a straw. Remember to brush your teeth twice daily (or, even better, after each meal), floss daily, and visit your dentist twice annually for a check-up and cleaning.
Stay on top of these habits and your dental crown and the teeth that surround it will stay healthy and beautiful for years to come!
Meet the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, Drs. Buller and Odenweller team up to provide excellent dentistry in an organic and airy space that is as relaxing and homey as it is top-of-the-line. Their menu of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures will help you find everything you and your smile need – like natural-looking dental crowns that will last you for years to come. To learn more, contact their office at (614) 475-1874.