Dealing with Shade Mismatches in Dental Crowns

Dealing with Shade Mismatches in Dental Crowns

Achieving accurate shade matching in dental restorations is critical for patient satisfaction and optimal aesthetic results. However, even with custom shade selection, mismatches can sometimes occur due to specific underlying factors:

1. Stump Shade Discrepancies

Occasionally, the stump shade (the color of the prepared tooth structure) significantly differs from the intended final shade of the crown, resulting in noticeable shade mismatches. To address this issue, it's essential to provide the dental lab with detailed records of the stump shade. Taking intraoral photographs of the crown seated in the patient’s mouth alongside adjacent natural teeth can significantly improve color matching accuracy.

2. Influence of Cement Color

The choice of cement color used to deliver the crown can dramatically affect the final appearance. Particularly with thinner crowns, the color of the cement beneath can easily show through, altering the crown’s final perceived shade. For instance, using white-colored cement under translucent crowns may lead to an undesirably opaque appearance.

Recommended Solutions:

• Accurate Documentation: Capture precise intraoral photographs clearly showing the prepared stump shade alongside neighboring teeth, and share these with your lab technician.

• Proper Cement Selection: Carefully select the color of the cement based on the crown's thickness and translucency. Especially with thinner restorations, choosing tinted cements can minimize undesired opacity, ensuring a harmonious match with surrounding dentition.

References for Further Reading:

• Dental Economics: The importance of stump shade in all-ceramic restorations
• The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry: Effect of resin cement color on the final shade of ceramic restorations

Utilizing these best practices can significantly reduce shade mismatches and enhance aesthetic outcomes for your patients.