How to choose the color of dental implants?
When considering dental implants a common question is
how white the dental implants 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 dental implants 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
dental implants 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 dental implants for each patient
are your complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.
Next: Discuss dental
implants on our message board
- Introduction to dental implants
section
- Dental implants - an overview
- Who is a candidate for dental implants?
- Dental implants - Procedure description
- Types of tooth implants
- How much do dental implants cost?
- Things to consider - Advantages and disadvantages of dental
implants
- Dental implants - Before and after photos
- Personal stories from people who have had dental
implants
- Choosing the color for dental implants
- Discuss dental implants on our message board
  
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