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Implants - Implant Color

Dental implants have become more popular as a cosmetic alternative to dentures or bridges often used in dental restoration work. While dental implants are costly and usually require several procedures before they are complete, implants are an excellent option to consider if you have concerns about how your teeth look and appear to others.

Tooth Color

Natural tooth color is not a flat, consistent color. Instead, natural tooth color depends on several factors, including age, health of teeth and foods eaten. As we age, our teeth also age and change color.

Chronic health issues, such as a condition called Porphyra , can affect tooth color. Also, chemotherapy and radiation can result in changes in tooth color. Particular medications, such as tetracycline, antihistamines and antipsychotics can also affect tooth color. Another factor that can affect tooth color is illness during pregnancy or fever during young ages when teeth are still forming. Chronic drug use, particularly of methamphetamine, can be a significant factor in changes in tooth color or disintegration.

Another factor affecting tooth color is the habit of smoking or drinking sodas, tea of coffee in high amounts.

Range of Teeth Color

The color of natural teeth is composed of a wide range of colors, from white to yellowish to red and brown. By using a comparison chart, a dentist can determine where tooth color falls in the spectrum and choose a color that is appropriate and will blend in well with the surrounding teeth.

Choosing the Color of Your Implants

While there is no standard used in choosing the color of dental implants, many cosmetic dentists use a color chart, like a Vita Shade Chart , to compare shades to natural teeth. When choosing a color for the implant, the color of the surrounding teeth is taken into consideration. If surrounding teeth are unnaturally dark or discolored, an option may be to use a teeth whitening procedure to improve the overall color of the teeth. Alternatively, a dentist may recommend using a bonding or veneer to improve the color of teeth and overall smile.

Other considerations in choosing a color for dental implants include personal features such as skin tone, eye color and hair color.

Summary

Choosing a color for dental implants involves taking several factors into consideration. Tooth color can be determined by health conditions, age, medications and personal habits. While tooth color is rarely made up of one uniform color, an effort should be made to match implant color to the surrounding teeth. A dentist may recommend further cosmetic restoration procedures such as bonding , veneers, or teeth whitening to further improve a patient‚’s smile.