Basketball is a common pastime in our neck of the woods, especially this time of year – but unfortunately, contact sports like basketball, hockey, and other rough and tumble activities can put your healthy teeth at risk of injury.
If you have suffered a chipped or broken tooth while out on the court or maybe even just from chowing down on your favorite food as a spectator at a game, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to repair the structure of the tooth. With advanced technology, that crown can be expertly shaded to match the rest of your teeth for a truly flawless appearance. Keep reading to learn how color matching works!
Prepping Your Teeth
Before you get a crown, it may be a great time to do a quick teeth whitening treatment. Over time, the color of tooth enamel can darken due to the foods you eat and other factors. Plus, it is much easier to start with a bright shade than to whiten a crown later on. Scheduling an in-office whitening treatment or getting fitted for at-home bleaching will ensure that your crown will be matched to the brightest shade possible.
You and your dentist can discuss options in teeth whitening to determine which is right for you and your budget.
Shade Matching
Your teeth are more than a color, they are a precise shade – and any artist knows there is a wide range of shades of white. To find the right one for your smile, your dentist will hold a helpful shade-matching guide up to the teeth that surround the tooth that will receive the crown and make note of the one that fits best. You may be asked to remove any bright lipstick, or your dentist may drape a bib over your clothing to ensure that they are getting the truest match possible.
Once the precise shade is selected, the crown will be fabricated and the porcelain material will be shaded to match your specific color.
Preserving the Appearance of Your Crown
After your dental crown has been placed on the injured tooth, you will want to make sure that you maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid exposing it to highly pigmented foods and beverages to ensure that the material stays the same shade as the pearly whites that surround it.
Some tips to protect the unique color of your crown include:
- Drink dark sodas and other beverages from a straw
- If possible, avoid black coffee and red wine
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily
- Visit your dentist as recommended – twice annually for most healthy patients
If you are set to get a dental crown, there’s no need to worry that it will be noticeable. With advanced shade-matching techniques, your dentist will ensure it looks beautiful with the rest of your smile.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Kathy Lam received her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry and continues to stay abreast of the latest developments in dentistry through routine continuing education courses. Dr. Lam loves helping people through dentistry, particularly restoring smiles with procedures like dental crowns. Learn more on her website or contact Dr. Lam’s practice directly by calling (630) 653-7720.