Dentists are medical professionals, but many of them also think of themselves as artists. It takes a keen eye for detail and design to creates restorations that complement a patient’s natural facial characteristics. One of the key elements they must consider is color. In this blog post, we will discuss some factors that have a bearing on how your dentist selects the perfect shade for a porcelain dental crown in Hamden.
Teeth’s Natural Color
Most people oversimplify the color of natural teeth. They assume that teeth can be white, yellow, or even brown. However, there is more to it than that. Tooth enamel is naturally a bluish white color, not bright white. It is also translucent, so the yellow color of the dentin underneath may be visible. Additionally, most people’s teeth are not all the same color. For example, the canines (eye teeth) naturally have a thicker layer of dentin than the incisors (the very front teeth), so they may have a more yellowish appearance than the teeth around them.
A dentist must choose the color for a porcelain crown based on the overall color of a patient’s teeth as well as on where the tooth that will receive the crown is located.
The Patient’s Age
It is a common misconception that when it comes to tooth color, whiter is always better. While younger people may love to have a bright white smile, while a more subdued shade tends to look more natural on seniors.
If you need a crown, be sure to think about what color you would like your teeth to be. If you want them to be brighter than they currently are, let your dentist know. You may be able to get your teeth whitened before the crown is placed. Then, your dentist will be able to perfectly shade-match the crown to the surrounding dentition.
What to Expect When Your Dentist Is Selecting a Shade
During your appointment, your dentist in Hamden will hold up a shade guide next to your teeth. By comparing their color with the colors on the shade guide, they can get a good idea of the proper hue for your crown. To make sure their selection is accurate, they might ask you or one of their team members for a second opinion. You might also be asked to remove bright lipstick or allow bright clothing to be covered with a gray bib so they will not interfere with the selection process. Choosing the right shade should take place in natural light or under incandescent lights that mimic natural light.
Do you need a porcelain dental crown? You can be confident that your dentist will work to make sure that your new restoration looks completely natural.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Kevin T. O’Brien and Farnaz Shahraki are the general and restorative dentists at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden. They have decades of combined experience and work hard to ensure that treatment outcomes are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. If you would like to learn more about the dental crown process, they would be happy to assist you. Contact our practice at 203-806-9257.