In August 2008, I had a root canal done on my top left front tooth. Since then, I’ve had three different crowns—two with metal backing and the most recent one from 2023 made of zirconia. None of the crown colors were precise, but the last one is so noticeable because my tooth has darkened even more. My dentist said zirconia was the most durable option for a front tooth crown
When the zirconia crown was done, the dentist also recommended a veneer on the tooth behind it because my previous dentist had the crown tooth made wider to close a gap. I was hesitant about getting a veneer, but I agreed because I thought my smile would look better with it.
The tooth under my crown has darkened more, so even with the crown, the tooth looks gray. The veneer is a different shade from the crown and my other teeth. My dentist added something inside the crown to mask the darkness, but it hasn’t helped much.
I am tired of dental appointments and spending money for results that look horrible. Is my case unusual, or should I insist on redoing my dental work? Thanks. Edwin from MD
Edwin,
We’re sorry about the inconvenience and expense of trying to achieve a crown color that harmonizes with your surrounding teeth.
Although zirconia crowns are stronger than crowns made of other materials, they are not the most natural looking. A dental ceramist or cosmetic dentist typically layers porcelain over the zirconia to add depth and translucency.
What Is the Solution for a Dark Tooth Beneath a Crown?
Managing a dark tooth beneath a crown requires teamwork between the cosmetic dentist and ceramist. The dentist communicates the intended final color and provides details and photos of the tooth’s underlying shade.
A skilled cosmetic dentist and ceramist produce natural-looking crowns.
Masking the darkness effectively may require a dentist or ceramist to apply opaquer to the tooth before the crown is fabricated. Overuse of opaquer can result in an unnaturally bright tooth with no subtle variation. The best technique is to layer opaquer within the crown and apply translucent porcelain on top to recreate a lifelike effect.
Why Look for an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist?
Skilled cosmetic dentists intentionally partner with master ceramists to ensure that crowns on dark teeth look natural.
Your dentist’s recommendation of a veneer for the adjacent front tooth was better than suggesting a crown, which would have been more invasive. Still, blending the color of a porcelain veneer with a crown is complex. Consult an accredited cosmetic dentist with advanced knowledge of color-matching and layering techniques.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Finley and his team work to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
