We are seeing an increasing number of patients come to the lab for custom shades as prescribed by their doctor. Our goal is to help provide each patient with a beautiful, award-winning smile.

The following takes place when a custom shade is prescribed for your patient:

• An appointment is prescheduled for the patient as directed by the doctor.
• The ceramist takes a shade using the Vita 3D-Master Shade Guide and then cross references the shade with the Vita Easyshade.
• A digital photograph(s) is taken of the shade tab next to the patient’s teeth and returned to your office to retain with the patient’s records.
• The photos are also electronically stored with the case at the lab.
• All instruments are disinfected.

We do provide patient appointment forms with a map to our location. Please call us to request them at 916.929.4464 or 800.696.4464.

Tips for Taking Custom Shades

• Due to retinal fatigue, your first impression is usually best. View for less than 10 seconds.
• The shade tab must be in the same plane as the tooth being assessed.
• "Squint" to better evaluate value.
• Patient must not have bleached for two weeks prior.
• Shade guides should be replaced every two years.
• Things to match when constructing a restoration:
     1) Value (brightness)
     2) Silhouette/Shape
     3) Translucency
     4) Surface Morphology
     5) Chroma (intensity)
     6) Hue (color)

Patient Info on Custom Shades

Seeing the dental technician in person allows him or her to better match your restoration to your existing teeth. The technician can then customize and characterize the restoration to help provide you with a beautiful smile. Our laboratory is friendly and professional ... I’m confident that you will be pleased with the personalized service you receive.