Dental Implants

Dentist Can’t Get My Implant Crowns to Match

I have two implant crowns that are visible when I smile. Before getting the crowns, I had a dental flipper. It matched my teeth okay. These crowns however are obviously different from my teeth. My dentist has switched them three times. He’s pretty frustrated with me and said that I am way too picky and that my teeth are between two shades and I should just be grateful that I have teeth. Am I being too picky? He also said that if he keeps switching out the crowns I could lose the implants. I don’t want to do that either. Help.

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

illustration of a dental implant

First, I can already tell you that you are not being too picky. The fact that you were happy with the dental flipper is evidence of that. Your dentist isn’t being honest with you. If the dental implants are placed correctly, then they will not come out because your dentist switches the crowns. If he didn’t place them correctly than they would be at risk either way.

Matching porcelain crowns, especially ones on front teeth are difficult to match. Even the best cosmetic dentists will need two to three try-ins before they get the match exact. Though, most dentists are smart enough to use a temporary try-in paste so that they can make those changes without dealing with the permanent bonding cement.

Unfortunately, I do not think that your dentist can do this. If he’s saying the problem is that your teeth are between two shades, then he does not have the cosmetic skill to match them. He’s just using the standard shade guide and not going beyond that. Ask for a refund on the dental crowns and tell him you’re going to have that part done elsewhere. The dental implants are fine, so do not ask for any money back on that.

color map for a tooth The standard shade guide is sufficient for back teeth. However, teeth that are visible to the light when you smile need some adjustments made. This is when your dentist would create a color map for the ceramist. It would add different shades and tints to the tooth in a way that helps it the match your adjacent teeth exactly. It takes a lot of cosmetic training and an understanding of color theory to make this work.

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