Blog Posts
Dt. Odman Ertekin
February 3, 2025
One of the most important factors to consider when getting new teeth is selecting the correct tooth colour.
Natural tooth colours vary from person to person, and there is no single shade that can be considered the most natural. Furthermore, the colours of natural teeth in the mouth differ from each other.
The front four incisors are usually a shade lighter than the canine teeth. Smaller molars and large molars are generally less yellow than the canines. The lower teeth can be darker than the upper teeth, often by up to half a shade. Additionally, the tooth itself does not consist of a single uniform colour. Near the gumline, the colour tends to be slightly yellower, while towards the edges, the colour lightens.
Natural tooth colours are personal, and not all teeth share the same shade. There are slight tonal differences between the lower and upper teeth, as well as between the canines and incisors. Therefore, selecting the right colour is important to avoid discordant shade differences. The key is finding a colour that suits both your aesthetic preferences and your natural smile. However, a colour you may like on a sample might not look the same in your mouth. It is essential to consider this before making your final choice.
Porcelain teeth can be darkened during the polishing stage, or their colour can be slightly lightened. However, it is impossible to lighten the colour beyond a certain level once the production stage has passed. Your dentist will guide you through the right choices. When the colour scale is held against your teeth, it’s important to make a quick decision. The longer you take, the harder it becomes to perceive subtle tonal differences. If necessary, you can rest your eyes by looking at a neutral gray background before choosing again. Both the patient and the dentist can make an informed decision under proper lighting, and in different light conditions.
The main goal of aesthetic dentistry is to create a beautiful smile with healthy teeth. The colour of the teeth is as crucial as their shape in smile design. For this reason, selecting the right tooth colour is essential in procedures like porcelain veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and prostheses. While patients often prefer white teeth, natural-looking teeth are more important from an aesthetic standpoint. One of the most important elements in the colour selection process is to ensure it is done under natural daylight and bright lighting. Choosing colours under indoor lighting may cause colour illusions.
If you need crowns on some of your teeth, it’s crucial to match the colour with your natural teeth. If there are noticeable stains on the surfaces of your teeth, they should be cleaned first. Cleaning and whitening procedures provide temporary results, and unless done regularly, the teeth will naturally darken again. However, colour selection can be risky, especially after teeth cleaning or whitening. Having your dentist clean your teeth thoroughly before selecting the colour will reduce these risks.
If you’re getting crowns for all your visible teeth, it’s not always necessary to match the natural colour. The patient’s aesthetic expectations play a significant role in this decision. Aesthetic preferences vary widely from person to person, and more freedom can be applied when selecting colours for full-coverage prostheses or veneers. While many patients prefer lighter tones, the most important consideration is finding a colour that complements the individual’s overall appearance. Factors like age, socio-economic status, skin tone, and gum colour all play a role in the choice. For example, selecting a very light tooth colour for individuals with darker skin may result in an unnatural smile.
By considering all of these factors, you can find the ideal tooth colour that aligns with your aesthetic concerns. With the guidance of Apex Dental Turkey’s experienced dentists, you can make an informed decision to achieve your perfect smile.
Since 1993, we’ve been transforming lives one smile at a time, blending the latest in dental technology with a personal touch that makes all the difference.
