Custom Shade Matching
On the shades that will not photograph, send us the patient. The ceramist who is going to layer the case takes the shade himself, in daylight, with the tooth in front of him — by appointment, at no extra charge.
When it is worth sending the patient
Most cases do not need it. These are the ones that do, and the ones that come back when they are guessed at:
- A single central or lateral next to an untouched natural tooth
- Teeth that have been bleached, or that are still settling after bleaching
- Tetracycline staining, fluorosis and other internal discolouration
- Anterior cases where the patient has already been disappointed once
- Any shade that three photographs have read three different ways
How the appointment works
Call the lab and we will set a time. The patient comes to ORCA of Houston in Katy and is usually out in twenty to thirty minutes. Mr. Ortiz takes the shade under daylight, maps the translucency, the incisal effects and the character of the neighbouring teeth, and photographs the tooth with the tabs in place. The case is then built to those notes by the same hands.
There is no charge for it
Custom shade matching is included. We would rather spend half an hour with the patient than remake an anterior crown twice, and so would you. Tick Custom Shade on the prescription, or simply call.
If the patient cannot travel to Katy
Send photographs instead. Place the shade tab edge-to-edge with the tooth, shoot in daylight rather than under the operatory light, and send one image with the tab and one without. You can attach them to the online prescription and they come straight to the lab. It is not as good as having the patient here, but on most cases it is enough.
Questions we get asked
Is there a charge for custom shade matching?
No. It is included with the case. We ask only that you book it ahead so the ceramist is at the bench and not in the middle of a bake.
Who actually takes the shade?
Miguel Ortiz, CDT — the ceramist who will layer the restoration. The person reading the tooth is the person building it, which is the whole point of sending the patient.
How do I book it?
Call the lab at the number at the top of this page, or tick Custom Shade on the prescription and we will contact your office to arrange a time.
My patient cannot get to Katy. What are my options?
Send photographs with the shade tab held edge-to-edge against the tooth, in daylight, one frame with the tab and one without. Attach them to the online prescription. For most cases that is enough.