By: Lee Ann Brady, DMD
This Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
A challenging part of crown cementation for implant abutments is matching the cement color, particularly in the anterior region to achieve a seamless restoration. For a while, I struggled to match the color of the cement between the abutment and an anterior implant crown. And Iโve tried various dental cements, but hereโs a trick that worked well for me.
I always try-in the abutment and the crown and try to confirm the shade before they are put together. We do this because the laboratory canโt redo the shade once theyโve bonded the crown and the abutment for screw retention without trying to separate the cement, which is difficult.
Over the years, it was a challenge to replicate the opacity of the cement used to connect the titanium abutment and ceramic crown. Iโve tried using some of the opaquest try-in paste on the market.
In the case I referred to above, we thought we had it. My lab cemented it together and I put it in. I could see the opacity of the cementย through the restoration. So, we had to take it apart and try again.
My laboratory technician shared with me a trick that he had learned from one of his other dentist clients.
๐ก And that was to simply go buy some good old-fashioned liquid wite-out.
Now, I put a very tiny amount of wite-out on a micro brush and paint it on the inside of the labial surface of the crown on the intaglio surface. Then, I use a bit of translucent try-in paste to seat the crown.ย
The wite-out works well because it is basically titanium dioxide and water with preservativesโthe same white compound that is in super-white sunscreens. In my opinion, it is relatively safe to use, and I can see what the implant will look like when the pieces are cemented together.ย
Achieving the ideal color match between the implant abutment and crown doesnโt have to be a frustrating process. With this simple wite-out trick, you can save time and effort while improving the aesthetics of your restorations.
For more clinical tips and advanced restorative techniques, explore the comprehensive courses offered at The Pankey Institute.ย
