Shade Selection for Crowns, Particularly Implant and When Gingiva Has Recessed

#3-5, 7 Emax crowns are cemented with temp bond for Kent.  What can we do for better results?  Please respond.

I think we just take pictures every time when selecting shade. Just like the picture you send to us. Jenny

Good point.  Anything else?  Why do crowns look so dull?

In fact Emax is used in this case, as mentioned in the beginning of this conversation.  Zirconia will look even duller.  The problem is discussed below (from Carmen).

Try for the same shade first as natural teeth color in natural light. If not then try for the closest shade. If it still doesn't match try with the mix and match shade . Try and then decide . After deciding ask for the agreement to the patient's choice. If the patient still doesn't prefer try to choose along with the help of the patient and wait for the patient's final agreement. All must be done in natural shade. Suniti

First of all, what does this mean?   If the patient still doesn't prefer try to choose along with the help of the patient and wait for the patient's final agreement.

Second, it sounds that you are a nice guy, doing everything the patient likes.  On the other hand, the patient may not like the shade of the final crowns, if it were for Mrs. Kent?  "Excuse me.  I am not a professional.  Why did you not tell me that they would look so terrible beforehand?"  What is missing on our part? 

Thanks for the second effort and thought.  You have not hit the point.  Why do the crowns look bad?

Hey Dr Wei: The shade close to the gingival margin is darker, while the one close to the incisal edge is lighter. This is an easy and simple way to explain to patients.  Carmen

Carmen:  You are absolutely right.  It appears that you are the brightest and sweetest girl today, probably the most professional.  Thanks. If you don't mind, click this article and look at Fig.8.  The new crown (C) is almost as natural as the neighboring incisors.  This is the result we should achieve every single time. 

Carmen: Your comment is also invaluable.  So is Jenny's (see above).  The other day, Laslo was in office.  He said that he was quite confident that he got the shade.  I was not eager to take photos.  This is a terrible mistake.  Laslo also feels this way.

Anyway, from now on, choose two shades and remind me to take out the camera every time for anterior case.  Take photos yourself.  Thanks.

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 09/19/2013, last revision 09/20/2013