Great Shading Depends on Great Dentist/Lab Communication



Success of cosmetic dentistry to a large degree depends on effective collaboration with the dental lab. Dentists should work closely, and communicate freely with their dental lab to get the ideal shading on their products. Patients trust their dentist for restorative work when they are dreaming of their perfect smile. Equipping the dental lab with the tools and data necessary to produce the perfect color match is one of the most vital steps in any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Cosmetic Dental Shading Has Changed

In days past, dentists simply had to hold a shade tab against their patient’s teeth, write the number down, and pass that data onto the cosmetic dental lab. These days, it is no longer sufficient simply to write “A3” on the lab sheet.

Dentists now realize that, while still beneficial, the VITA shade guide tabs do not always indicate the perfect match. Enamel and dentin have distinct characteristics. The correct match is likely to involve not just a single shade but a blend of several shades. A custom coloring, if you will. The precise color match requires more than just mechanically going over a shade chart and checking one option.

To that end, the following are helpful tips that can help your lab yield better results, in a quicker time frame:

Aside from taking shade tab photographs, try to get photos of the details in extreme close up. Use the appropriate macro lens to get a precise picture of the details. When a quality dental lab is given all the necessary information, they are in a much better position to emulate not only the precise shade, but also understanding the little characteristics and details like tiny incisal chips, craze lines, and other interestingly fine points that will give the restoration its natural look. It may take a few extra minutes to collect the images and information necessary for the lab to do what they are experts at, but helping the dental lab get the right information will help reduce the number of delays or returns resulting from lack of precise information. In the end, it not only means a better restoration, but it also means a much more efficient process, saving time and money. Using the right modern techniques helps turn in work that reflects great accuracy, and provide restorations that look both beautiful and natural.

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