To create a dental crown, your dentist takes precise measurements, ensuring that it fits comfortably and resembles your other teeth in size and shape. However, there’s a less talked about part of this process: color-matching. That’s right, your dentist uses color theory! In this article, we’ll cover the more palette-centric part of crown creation. You’ll be amazed at how much work goes into it!
The Perfect Blend for Your Teeth
It’s pretty rare for objects to have only one color. Much more often, things are made up of a whole blend of shades. You might see your teeth as “white”, but there are other pigments that lend them a unique tint.
That’s why if you wear bright colors or lipstick to your color-matching appointment, your dentist might drape a neutral-leaning cloth over you or ask you to remove your makeup. Certain shades could make your teeth appear warmer or cooler than they actually are, resulting in an inaccurate color-match and an inconsistent smile. That’s Color Theory 101!
Dental Color Swatches
To further help narrow-down your perfect color blend, your dentist might use a tooth color guide. This will look like a row of false teeth arranged on a ruler of sorts. Your dentist will hold each tooth closer to your natural pearly whites, working down the gradient until they find the guide-tooth that most closely matches your true hue. Comparing colors like this is a simple yet effective way to ensure they’re on the right track.
High-Tech Tooth Color Analysis
Artists and dentists alike are incredibly skilled at seeing colors accurately, but there’s still a subjective element when it comes to identifying pigments. Nowadays, dentists can use a high-tech device called a spectrometer for more objectivity.
You might remember that colors emit unique light frequencies. Spectrometers read the wavelengths in your teeth’s pigments to calculate shading. Basically, if your dentist finds color-matching your teeth a challenge, they can use a computer for a second opinion.
Color-Matching Behind the Scenes
Even after your dentist selects a suitable color for your dental crown, there’s more work to be done! They’ll send their selection off to a dental lab, along with reference photos of your natural teeth. The lab technicians will compare these two items, so you can rest assured that your dentist’s work is being double-checked.
Using their equally talented eyes, the technicians will blend a mix of ceramic color powders, experimenting with different ratios until they finally cook up the perfect shade. Literally – the powders have to “bake” at high temperatures in order to produce your ceramic crown!
By the time your permanent dental crown gets back to you, its color has undergone detailed scrutiny by multiple parties (and sometimes a computer). Your dentist will do everything they can to ensure that you’re happy with your restoration, so you can feel confident in how your crown will look!
About the Practice
Drs. Travis Spillman and Jacquelyn Green are highly experienced dentists. They both believe in the confidence-restoring power of quality restorations and take this responsibility very seriously. If the thought of dental repair or an oddly-colored crown is keeping you down, contact their office at 214-823-5253. Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green will make sure your dental crown looks and feels great!