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Update: November 4, 2024 | Author: Dr. Ronald Pham | Publish: May 9, 2024

How to darken dental crowns

At Restoration Dental OC, we understand how important the color of your crowns is. It makes a huge difference in the aesthetics of smiles.

How to change color of dental crown

Dr. Ronald Pham and our team have helped countless patients achieve beautiful smiles by matching dental crowns to their natural teeth colors. This blog will explain why and the best ways to achieve the perfect shade.

Understanding Why Darkening Dental Crowns Are Needed

Mismatched Color

Patients often desire a seamless match between their crowns and natural dentition. A perfect game enhances confidence and creates a beautiful smile. Even subtle color variations can be quickly addressed.

Understanding Why Darkening Dental Crowns Are Needed

Initial Color Too Light

At first, a crown’s shade may seem ideal. But it looks too bright in other lighting, or your tastes may change. Also, over time, some materials are more prone to discoloration than others.

If you’re unhappy with the color, discuss options with your dentist. They may be able to adjust the shade or, in some cases, remake the crown with a different material.

Crown Discoloration

Designers create crowns to resist stains. But diet, smoking, and some meds can cause slight discoloration.

Crown Discoloration

How Do You Choose The Right Crown Shade?

Matching Your Natural Teeth

Restoration Dental OC’s primary goal is to ensure that your dental crown matches your natural dentition. Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, uses a shade guide. It has small, tooth-like samples with varying shades.

Dental Crowns matching your natural teeth

He uses it to find the closest match to your surrounding teeth. To ensure accuracy, we carry out this process under controlled lighting.

A Subtle Lighter Shade for a Brighter Look

The main goal is a natural look. But, sometimes, people might change the shade to make it lighter. This depends on your preferences and dental situation. It could offer a brighter smile.

Dental crowns a subtle lighter shade

Considering Skin Tone and Face

You can consider skin tone when choosing a crown color for a harmonious look. Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, focuses on picking a color that complements your natural teeth and face.

Dentist considering skin tone and face shape

Your Input Matters

Your input is essential! Do you have a specific color in mind? Share it with Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, during your consultation. We will work together to find the perfect match for a natural-looking result.

What Should I Do When My Dental Crown Is Too White?

Option professional cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has techniques to match a more natural shade if your crown is too white.

This may involve special stains or glazes on the crown’s porcelain of traditional crowns.

It might take more than one appointment to get the desired result. The degree of change depends on the crown material (porcelain vs. zirconia).

Can a dentist improve the color of my dental crowns?

In the case of implant crowns, a more specialized approach is often taken. It involves close work with a dental ceramist. They can analyze the shade and tint of your surrounding teeth.

Digital photography and precise communication ensure accurate color matching. The dentist may take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. This will help the ceramist create a crown that matches your smile.

Cosmetic dentists aim to create a crown that looks and feels natural. You can make adjustments to existing crowns. But sometimes, replacing the crown is best for a perfect match.

Diy options at Home

DIY options like tea or coffee rinses can seem tempting. Also, consuming dark-colored foods and drinks may stain teeth.

However, their effects are minor and temporary at best and could damage the crown’s surface or finish.

Essential considerations

The material of your dental crown affects how well it stains or glows. This depends on the type of material, such as porcelain or zirconia. Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, at Restoration Dental OC, will tell you the best option based on your crown’s material.

Staining and glazing are only sometimes permanent. So, it’s essential to understand this. You may need to repeat these treatments as the effects fade.

If staining is the issue, we will work with you to fix the causes. These include pigmented foods and drinks and smoking. Fixing them will stop future discoloration. It will keep your dental crown color looking good.

Preventing Further Mismatch

Good oral hygiene is essential to help prevent problems like gum disease. They can affect the crown’s fit and the surrounding teeth’ appearance.

Your Daily Routine:

  • Brush your crown tooth for two minutes twice a day. (Soft brush and Fluoride toothpaste.)
  • Floss daily. Focus on where your teeth touch your gums. This prevents buildup and keeps your oral health good.
  • Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash freshens breath and helps stop bacteria.

Smart Choices

  • Limit Staining Foods: Enjoy coffee, tea, berries, and so on in moderation for a brighter smile.
  • Rinse right away. After eating staining foods or drinks, a quick water rinse cuts contact time.
  • Sip with a straw: Protect your teeth and crown by using a straw when drinking staining drinks.

Lifestyle Habits Matter

  • Quitting smoking is a great choice for your mouth.
  • Manage Dry Mouth: Stay hydrated and ask Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, for tips to keep your mouth comfortable.

Your Partner in Dental Health

The best way to keep your crown’s color perfect is regular care at Dentistry “Restoration Dental OC.”

  • Checkups and cleanings are every six months, as Dr. Pham recommends. At these visits, we perform deep cleanings and thorough examinations.
  • This includes treating cavities or gum issues. It will protect your crown and your smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper dental care for the last 5 to 15 years or even longer. Regular checkups with appropriate care and maintenance at Restoration Dental OC will help ensure the longevity of your dental crown.

Does Smoking Cause The Crowns to Darken?

While dental crowns are durable, smoking can stain them. Nicotine and tar leave a residue that builds up. It discolors your teeth and affects your smile.

Know the Signs of Damaged Teeth?

Damaged teeth can expose nerves or cause inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort. Watch for pain, sensitivity, chips, cracks, or unusual tooth colors.

Keep Your Dental Crowns Bright?

Maintain the brilliance of your crown! Brush twice daily, floss, and use mouthwash. Enjoy your favorite foods and drinks in moderation, and should avoid smoking.

Why a Crown Might Look Darker and How to Brighten It?

Several factors, such as the material and age of the crown. Additionally, habits like smoking and drinking coffee also affect it.

Conclude

If you are in Orange, CA, and worry about your crown’s looks. The best solution is to see Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS. He can find the cause and recommend appropriate solutions. Check out what others say about our services: Read our Google Reviews.

Dr. Ronald Pham

Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, is a Doctor of Dental Surgery who graduated from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2015. With over 8 years of experience in restorative dentistry, including dental implants, crowns, bridges, fillings, root canals…

Dr. Pham has restored the smiles of +2,000 patients and is committed to providing professional dental care focused on patient comfort. He achieves this by combining a welcoming space and state-of-the-art dental technology.

Guaranteed smiles!

Guaranteed Smiles!

As a premiere dentist office in Orange CA, we will always make sure that your experience is memorable, friendly, and professional. We strive to meet your highest expectations in every way imaginable, from your very first interaction with our office staff, to the quality of treatment you receive. We don’t take our patients’ trust for granted, and will promise to over-deliver with your best interest in mind. So give us a call today, and experience our first-class service!

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