What is Shade matching?
Definition
Shade matching is the process of recording a tooth's colour, brightness (value), intensity (chroma), hue and translucency, so that a crown, veneer or implant tooth can be made to blend with natural teeth.
Dentists and ceramists use shade guides, photographs under controlled light and a written shade map, because a natural tooth is not one colour: it changes from the gum to the edge. The colour is then built into the ceramic in layers. At Creative Arts in Dubai, the lab is in the same building, so for clinic patients the ceramist can see the teeth in person under the same light as the dentist.
For a single crown or veneer next to natural teeth, ask whether the ceramist will see you in person and whether photos will be taken with a shade tab. If you plan whitening, ask whether to whiten first, since ceramic does not whiten afterwards. Check the shade at try-in, in daylight.
Questions about Shade matching
Does whitening have to come before a new crown or veneer is made?
If you want your natural teeth lighter, usually yes. Ceramic keeps its colour and does not respond to whitening, so the crown or veneer is matched to your teeth as they are when the shade is taken. Dentists normally wait a short time after whitening for the colour to settle before matching the shade. Ask your dentist to plan the order with you.
Your smile, planned with a dentist — before you decide
Tell us what you would like to change. A dentist reviews it, and you receive a written plan with prices before any treatment.
- First consultation free
- Free photo assessment on WhatsApp
- A written, itemised plan with prices before any treatment
Get your free treatment plan
Tell us what you would like to change. We reply on WhatsApp or by phone during opening hours.
- First consultation free
- Free photo assessment on WhatsApp
Prefer to chat? Send a photo on WhatsApp
614 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai · Open daily 10:00–20:00 · +971 4 342 4444