porcelain crown Archives - Coleman Dental

What’s wrong with my porcelain veneer?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I ended up getting a porcelain veneer done to fix my damaged front tooth. At first, I really liked it. It blended in perfectly with my surrounding teeth. No one seemed to notice I had any work done. I am wondering what’s wrong with it now? It has only been a couple years and I’m noticing a really dark line along my gums. Should I be concerned? I am starting to feel self conscious when I’m laughing and smiling. Do you know what happened?

-Pam in Missouri

Pam,

From what you have described, it actually doesn’t sound like you have a porcelain veneer. It is more likely that you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. A porcelain veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the front of a tooth. Typically, a porcelain veneers are used to improve the aesthetics of teeth. For example, minor gaps, discoloration and small chips can be addressed with porcelain veneers. But, a dental crown is used when a tooth is more severely damaged. For example, if a tooth is cracked or chipped, has too large of a cavity to fill or needs to be reinforced structurally, a crown is more effective. A porcelain crown covers the entire tooth, kind of like a cap.

When the framework is made of metal, the gums can recede over time and the metal is visible. That said, a couple years seems like a short time for the metal to be exposed. It is possible you may need to be checked out to rule out any other conditions, like gum disease. That way, the cause can be taken care of before the crown is redone.

Now, this is all based on assumption from what you have explained. It is possible that you did get a porcelain veneer. If so, it doesn’t sound like it was done properly. Or, the cosmetic dentistry may have been done by a dentist that didn’t have the proper expertise and training.

There have been cases where bacteria creeps into the gumline area with porcelain veneers that were not placed seamlessly. If this is indeed the case, you will need to have be seen for a professional exam and cleaning. If bacteria is gathering along the gums, decay will become an issue if it hasn’t already and the bond that holds the veneer in place may be compromised.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully this will give you some guidance as to what your next steps should be.

Trying to decide between crowns or Lumineers?

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am seeing a cosmetic dentist to close the gap between my some front teeth. They aren’t the ones right in front, but the ones next to the front ones. I feel like my smile has always been unbalanced and I’m ready to get it fixed. When I started looking around online, Lumineers seem like a good way to go so the dentist doesn’t need to remove any of my natural tooth structure. I really like that. But when I met with the dentist, he told me most types of porcelain veneers have problems and he wants me to get crowns. Is this really the only solution?

-Arnold in Georgia

Arnold,

If this “cosmetic dentist” is telling you that he has problems with porcelain veneers, it doesn’t matter if it’s Lumineers or another brand, he probably doesn’t have the expertise to place them. Not every dentist that claims he is a cosmetic dentist has the artistic ability or knowledge of dental bonding techniques to create a beautiful result. So don’t press him out of his comfort zone, or you may end up regretting it. When porcelain veneers are done correctly, they can last for well over 10 years or more. It may be that your dentist is much more comfortable with placing crowns. But, unless the teeth are decayed and require porcelain crowns, that is not the ideal treatment since such a large portion of the tooth must be removed to fit a crown.

It may be time to find seek a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. Most dentists would suggest the least-invasive treatment. Before moving forward with any type of cosmetic dentistry, be sure to check out the dentist’s credentials and ask to see examples of cases that are similar to yours. Best of luck!

Crowns keep falling off!

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have a couple crowns and have never had any problems with them. Well, I feel really bad for my husband because his dental crowns keep falling off. The dentist re-cements them and then in a week or so, they pop right off. The dentist seems like he’s at a loss at this point. I’m wondering what is going on? Is there a super-strong cement we can try first? Or I have heard of CEREC. Is that a better option?

– Jeffrey in Missouri

Jeffrey,

Sadly, it sounds like it’s time for a second opinion. There shouldn’t be an issue with the porcelain crowns not staying cemented. This is not a common occurrence. Once they are permanently cemented, they should stay in place if they were done properly. Something must be breaking the bond.

The life of a crown is typically dependent upon the tooth preparation that was done by the dentist. If the tooth is in any way tapered, the crown will not have a good fit. It sounds like it may be time for some new crowns or better yet, a new cosmetic dentist. In order to successfully place crowns, the dentist must have had extensive training in the bonding technologies and materials. There really is no excuse for your husband’s crowns not to stay on. It’s time to move on.

Lastly, CEREC crowns really aren’t the answer here. This sounds like it’s an issue with the dentist, not the product. CEREC is a technology enables the tooth to be prepared and placed all in one visit.

Ugly brown line on my dental implant.

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My dental implant has functioned great. I have had it for several years now and have been very happy. But several months ago, I started noticing what looks like a brown line that is showing up. When I was in for a cleaning last, I totally spaced it. I meant to talk to the hygienist about it. And I was actually hoping it would come off from the polishing during the appointment. I didn’t notice it afterward, but then it has reappeared. Is there a problem all of the sudden? If it’s not a big deal, than I don’t want to go back into the dentist. But how can a stain come up out of nowhere. Have you heard of something like this?

– Daniel in Ohio

Daniel,

The porcelain crown that is on top of the dental implant is made of porcelain. This material is highly stain resistant. But, as time goes in, it may have a blemish, crack, or imperfection that is picking up some staining. If there are any crevices than you may notice that area will retain stains more than a smooth area. They hygienist may have polished the discoloration off during your routine hygiene visit, but it sounds like it has resurfaced.

If it is strictly an aesthetics issue, than you really don’t need to schedule another appointment. That is, unless it is bothersome and noticeable when you smile. But a stain isn’t a functional issue. Although, if it is a crack, than it is something that you would want to have examined. It is hard to tell without having seen you in person, but a crack can turn into something more, which could end up compromising the durability of the crown. Or it could even break or shatter if left untreated.

It’s probably better to be safe than sorry. So you should probably go back in and have it checked out. If need by, the crown can be replaced. But you will not need to replace the entire dental implant, so you won’t have to go back through the surgical phase or anything like that. Just a crown replacement. Good luck!

Why do I have a black line around my crown?

September 11, 2021 by Brian Sartin

So I had a crown done awhile ago now. My regular family dentist did the work. I was using a bright flashlight the other night to get a good look at my teeth. And when I shined the light on my crown it appeared transparent. I noticed a little bit of black right around my gums. What is that? Should I have gone to a cosmetic dentist to have the crown done in the first place? I don’t like the way it looks.

– Michelle in Nebraska

Michelle,

Based on what you have described, the crown you have in your mouth sounds like it is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. It doesn’t mean that your dentist did anything wrong or that anything is wrong with the functionality of the tooth. That said, a cosmetic dentist places a much higher emphasis on the aesthetics of dentistry. So an excellent cosmetic dentist may have recommended an all porcelain crown.

Some dentists still prefer to use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on back molars because the metal structure provides a strong foundation for back teeth. These types of crowns hold up well from a structural standpoint and can withstand extreme biting force. But with the advances in bonding technologies today, many cosmetic dentists are confident that all porcelain crowns will hold up just find on molars. Anyway, the black that is beginning to appear at your gumline is the metal showing through the porcelain. Or if you had a root canal on the tooth, the tooth can appear darker than normal because there is no longer blood circulating to that tooth.

For future reference, you may be interested in learning more about CEREC crowns. These days are also known as same day crowns, because all of the work is done in one visit. That means you don’t have to wear an uncomfortable temporary.

It is still not a bad idea to get into your dentist to have it looked out so the possibility of any tooth decay can be ruled out. Again, it sounds like the metal that is visible, but better to be safe than sorry. Lastly, if this is a indeed a front tooth that you are referring to, then a cosmetic dentist may be the way to go. They care much more about how the end result will look. And all porcelain will look so beautiful that no one will no you had any work done. Good luck!

Should I be worried about really fast crown preparation?

September 9, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’ve had a multiple crows done and I’m always amazed how quick my dentist is during the crown preparation. I’ve had a couple done elsewhere and it seemed to drag on for 30-45 minutes. My current dentist is very speedy, like less than 30 seconds for the preparation. That said, I’m wondering if he removes too much natural tooth because two of them I’ve had done by him have come off. Is it possible that there just isn’t enough natural tooth left? I’m wondering if I have a case against him? I need to find a solution that doesn’t involve more expensive treatment or having to pay again for the same treatment. I’m nervous because I know that I can’t afford dental implants. Would you recommend that I find a new dentist? I was interested in looking around to see if there was one that would put a guarantee on their work?

-Paul in Minnesota

Paul,

Unfortunately, you won’t find a guarantee with on a porcelain crown. Although, there is something that is referred to as the “standard of care” in the industry. This means that a crown should provide a minimum standard to patients. Every case is different and sometimes an individual may have difficulty with a crown staying bonded in place. But the main problem with your situation is that the crown falling off seems to be happening on more than one crown and multiple times. This does sound like an issue with adhering to the minimum standard of care.

Although, it probably won’t be worth it to pursue legal recourse, since the dentist likely has liability in place to cover circumstances like this. You can request a refund so that you can have the work redone at a different dentist’s office. The lack of time spent during the crown preparation is concerning, yet it is difficult to give you specific marching orders without having seen your case in person. It is also possible that was a problem with the bonding techniques or materials used, or that the taper was too drastic and that is why the crowns are failing.

Many dentists will work their entire career and not have a crown fall off. The preparation step is imperative to ensure the crown is seated correctly. Your dentist sounds like his priority lies in speed versus being precise.

So, it would be in your best interest to move on. Have a consultation at a new dentist and see if the crowns can be redone. There are techniques that can be done during the preparation, even if there is less than desirable natural tooth structure in tact, that will successfully bond a crown. The new dentist may even work with you to craft a strategy to get refunded, or even a partial refund would go a long way to help you get the care you deserve.

Good luck and thank you for your inquiry.

Pain from CEREC crowns.

September 7, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had three CEREC crowns done a couple weeks ago and now when I’m chewing it hurts. The crowns are on some back teeth and I cannot really avoid eating with them. The pain is like a shooting nerve pain. I went back in and the dentist shaved them two different times. He told me that I chew like a “cow” and that is probably where the pain is coming from. I have never heard that phrase before and needless to say didn’t like being told I chew like a cow. I’m beginning to wonder about the dentist now because the teeth never hurt prior to the crown work. So how can it be attributed to the way I chew? Do you know what’s going on? I don’t feel like I should have to choose soft foods because I’m scared my teeth will hurt.

– Vicki in South Carolina

Vicki,

The pain you are describing wouldn’t be attributed to the CEREC crowns, but more likely due to the fact that the fit is not correct. This could happen with any type of porcelain crown or restoration, including CEREC crowns, if they weren’t adjusted properly. Typically this occurs less frequently with CEREC because the computer fabricates the crown.

There are two reasons why this pain could be taking place. First, if the bite is too high than that crown is what hits first during your chewing. This could make the tooth very sensitive. But if you have had it adjusted multiple times, then there is a possibility that the tooth may be infected. The inflammation from the infection can give you pain, eventually moving into your jaw. And it could be increasingly aggravated during chewing.

Since you have been back in twice to have them shave it down, it may be time that the dentist do an x-ray to see if the tooth is infected That said, your dentist should be making these recommendations and investigating this possibility at this point. Also, infection is sometimes difficult to detect in an x-ray so you may be better off going into an endodontist which specializes in root canal treatments.

You shouldn’t still be having that kind of intense pain after the CEREC crowns were done. Call an endodontist and ask to be seen sooner than later.

These teeth whitening strips are doing nothing.

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I admit, I drink a lot of coffee and I’m a regular smoker. I know if I cut back on these habits, my teeth would look nicer. But I have been using these teeth whitening strips and nothing is happening. In fact, since I’ve started using them, the one really dark tooth I have looks worse. Is that even possible? Well, maybe the others are lightening and the really dark one just is more noticeable. So, I started cutting the strips so I can place it only on the really dark tooth. Why isn’t it working on the main tooth I want to focus on?

-Sheila in North Carolina

Sheila,

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have figured out that most of your teeth are being whitened from the tooth whitening strips. But there is one fairly discolored one that is not lightening. This is actually a concern. It should be responding like the others are, if it is indeed surface staining on the tooth from coffee and smoking. But since it’s not, there may be a problem. For example, if the tooth is gray and isn’t whitening, it may be dead. Did you suffer a trauma that you can recall? Do you have any pain? These would be symptoms of a dead tooth.

It is important to schedule an appointment to get an x-ray on the tooth. If the tooth is not getting blood flow, it may turn into an infection and will require treatment to save the tooth. Don’t put this off because it may end up requiring a root canal. During that procedure, the color of the tooth can be improved.

It sounds like the tooth that isn’t responding to the whitening, may be stained from the inside and not externally. No tooth whitening strips, take-take home trays, or powerful Zoom whitening will help, if it is dead. An experienced cosmetic dentist may be able to explore the option of whitening it from the inside. But if it does need a root canal, you may end up with a porcelain crown anyway, which will improve the appearance of the tooth.

Don’t put off seeking treatment to figure out what is going on with the tooth and why it is not responding to the tooth whitening.

My porcelain veneers are messing up my speech.

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had a pretty significant smile makeover, which included 10 porcelain veneers. I also had two crowns done at the same time. After the permanent veneers were placed, I noticed that I am having some difficulty speaking. My tongue isn’t happy. It just doesn’t feel comfortable. The best way to describe it is that it feels like my tongue is too big and it kind of lays on the back of the bottom of my front teeth. Does that make sense? When I went in, my dentist seemed stumped. He can’t figure it out. Does it have something to do with the crowns on the back molars? Please tell me you have some advice. I feel silly!

-Jana in Florida

Jana,

Sorry to hear that you are having some issues with your porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, it is always difficult to give specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. That said, here is some information regarding smile makeovers and speech patterns that you may find helpful.

When porcelain veneers are placed properly, they shouldn’t be affecting your tongue or your speech. Porcelain veneers are tiny shells of porcelain veneers that are placed on the front surfaces of your teeth. So, the correct placement of porcelain veneers shouldn’t bother your tongue. The crowns you mentioned cover the entire tooth and not just the surface. So, if your smile makeover consisted of all crowns, there is a possibility that your speech could be impacted. But, you mentioned that you only had two crowns done. That said, this may be the culprit or a combination of them both.

Another thing that you may not realize is that any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist without any additional cosmetic dentistry training. This means the dentist may not actually have the ability or advanced training and experience to deliver results. The thickness of the inside surface of the crowns, may alter the pronunciation of certain letter sounds. An excellent cosmetic dentist will be trained in how to place crowns in a way that they will not agitate or affect the tongue.

The length of the front teeth and back teeth may also affect certain letter pronunciation. So, the main question to figure out is which of these precise measurements is affecting your tongue and speech patterns. Most expert cosmetic dentists will test the placement of the provisional veneers or porcelain crowns prior to placing them permanently. Then, they can be adjusted at that stage before they are permanently bonded into place.

As you very well know, there is something wrong here and it sounds like it occurred during the placement of permanent restorations. It is possible your dentist didn’t actually send the impressions into the dental laboratory. Usually that is the best course of action. But it is possible your dentist chose to use photographs instead of the impressions. Or it is of course possible that the ceramist has messed up or misunderstood the specifications.

Sometimes it takes awhile to adjust to a smile makeover. But if you are still having problems after a couple months, you should adamantly request that they be corrected or even redone. It is possible that you may be better served by another cosmetic dentist. Your original dentist should make every effort to make this right. But, if you are met with resistance for whatever reason, it may be in your best interest to see a new cosmetic dentist. Sometimes, the new cosmetic dentist will be able to attest to the issues you’re having and help you pursue getting a refund at some level. Good luck and thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, it helps others realize that not every dentist can do beautiful, functional cosmetic dentistry.

Will bleaching my dental implant change the color?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

The dental implant on my front tooth doesn’t match the others anymore. I have had it for a couple years now. It used to blend in with my teeth but now that I have been bleaching my teeth, I am not seeing the implant change color. So now the implant appears much darker than the surrounding teeth. Is there a special teeth whitening formula I can use to whiten the implant?

– Margie in Nebraska

Margie,

Sorry to have to inform you that no amount of tooth whitening or bleaching product will change the color of your dental implant. Ideally, you should have done any teeth whitening prior to the implant being placed.

The porcelain crown that is attached to the implant post is highly stain resistant. So the original color will remain in place because of the seal used. A cosmetic dentist may be able to add staining to darken the crown, but lightening it is not an option at this time. The whitening products you used at home, remove surface stains and the oxygen in them penetrates deep into the tooth to whiten them. But on an artificial tooth like the restoration on your dental implant, the oxygen will not be able to penetrate. Therefore, it will not lighten.

Most cosmetic dentists will inform you of this at the time when the dental implant is placed. The only way to have the restoration match the surrounding teeth is to have the porcelain crown replaced. If this is the route you decide to go, whiten your teeth first. Then, let the color stabilize before the crown is placed. That way the cosmetic dentist will be able to successfully make a match so it look natural and blends in perfectly.