Teeth are aesthetically complex organs. The process of getting the perfect shade for restoration is a tricky one. It involves as much craftsmanship as it does artistry. Every stage of the process impacts the restoration’s strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. One process that is seeing growing popularity among finer dental establishments is multi-shade restorations. This multistep treatment ensures that the restoration is resilient and closely matches the natural appearance of the patient’s teeth.
The Natural Structure of Teeth And Multi-Stage Restoration
Our teeth are comprised of two distinct layers, each with visual properties that impact the other. Enamel is somewhat translucent, with its opacity and shade influenced by its thickness. Dentin, the underlying layer, is the source of most of the color in your teeth. The resulting combination is not unlike looking at the color through tinted glass. Layer opacities during a multi-stage restoration attempt to mimic this appearance.
There are a few instances where your dentist may opt to use a multiple-stage approach to restoring your teeth. The tooth’s location may be considered but is not an important factor. The end goal is to produce a restoration that fits into your smile seamlessly and naturally. Which approach to restoration they use will be determined by certain qualities of the tooth, including:
- Monochromatic Teeth – Some teeth simply have a uniform distribution of color across their surfaces. Multi-shade processes may not be appropriate in this case. As a result, your dentist will likely stick to a single-shade approach.
- Gradient Shades – Teeth with a gradient of shades will require multiple layers to get the proper appearance. It starts with using a darker shade to imitate the core properties of the dentin. This is then followed by placing a more translucent layer on the exterior. Throughout this step, they’ll have to carefully monitor the thickness of the enamel to ensure it remains uniform.
- Multiple Aesthetic Characteristics – Some teeth are complex and nuanced. This may include the presence of a halo in the enamel that impacts its transparency, for instance. When the tooth demonstrates this degree of complexity, it becomes necessary to apply multiple layers to get a final appearance that matches the overall goal.
Your dentist will let you know if your restoration will benefit from one of these approaches. While any of these will work to restore the tooth’s function, they may come at different price points.
How To Decide Which Restoration Style Is Right For You
As with most things concerning your oral health, it starts with a consultation with your dentist. They’ll review the options available and the associated price points. The use of multi-shade restorations is purely an aesthetic one. Every form of restoration will restore the function of your teeth and the overall shape of your smile. Multi-shade restorations take this process a step further. They aim to give you a restored smile that is functionally and aesthetically complete.
