Choosing a Color for Tooth Crowns
How to Choose a Color for Dental Crowns?
When considering crowns a common question is how white
the crowns should be. Usually, the answer is to whiten your natural teeth to either the
level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. Your cosmetic dentist will
then have the crowns made to that color. Teeth are of course not monochromatic, so
typically more than one color is used to create a very natural look. This color variation
is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the internal contrast of
colors that help create vitality. The internal play of light on the porcelain in the
restoration helps to create this vitality. Surface texture is also very important, and
helps to break up light reflections and make the crown look more natural.
There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color.
The most often heard about, however, is the Vita shade guide. This guide divides tooth
color into four basic shade ranges:
A (reddish brown)
B (reddish yellow)
C (gray)
D (reddish gray).
In the A range there are five levels of darkness. Ranges B, C and D, each have four
levels.
Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker
than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade
between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness
while still looking natural.
Most dentists will show you a shade chart (like the above mentioned Vita Shade Guide) for
you to pick from. Keep in mind, with a good cosmetic dentist this is merely a starting
point. Other considerations when determining the color of crowns for each patient are your
complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.
Next: Discuss crowns with
others
- Introduction to dental crowns section
- Dental crowns - an overview
- Who is a candidate for having teeth crowned?
- Tooth crowns - Procedure description
- Varieties of tooth crowns
- How much do dental crowns cost?
- Pros and cons of tooth crowns
- Dental crowns - Before and after photos
- Personal stories from people who have had tooth crowns
- Choosing a color for tooth crowns
- Discuss crowns with others
A guide to dental crowns and caps.