Material choice and technique plays an important role in creating life-like restorations for the front teeth. In the case below, improper choice of material and technique resulted in 2 dark front teeth. Material problem:

Using translucent porcelain over dark underlying tooth structure allows the dark color to bleed through. Not all materials fit all situations, and the dentist must understand when to apply the right material to the right situation.

Technique problem:

1. The margin (the demarcation between the porcelain and the root) does not fit properly. This results in excess accumulation of plaque right at the root area. This type of problem may cause the gum to initially become inflamed, then slowly deteriorate and shrink away from the crown.

2. The dark underlying tooth structure must be masked out.

3. The shape, size, contour, shade, surface characteristics must blend in with the patient's existing teeth.

Since the smile's center of attention is the two front teeth, it is important that the restorations look like they are your real teeth. It is crucial to seek the right clinician to help with your front teeth. Unfortunately, once the restorations are bonded to the teeth, they would have to be redone from scratch if you are unhappy with the result.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.