How to select a color for your veneers.
When considering veneers a common question is
how white the veneers 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
dentist will then have the veneers 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 crown or veneer 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 dentist this is merely a starting
point. Other considerations when determining the color of veneers for each patient are
your complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.
Next: Dental veneers
message board and discussion
- Introduction to tooth veneers section
- Causes of discoloration of the teeth
- Who is a candidate for dental veneers?
- Procedure description: veneers
- Types of veneers available for your teeth
- How much do dental veneers cost?
- Pros and cons of getting veneers
- Before and after pictures - dental veneers
- Personal stories from tooth veneer patients
- How to select the color of your veneers
- Dental veneers message board and discussion
  
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