porcelain crowns Archives - Coleman Dental

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.

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 CEREC crowns work better than porcelain crowns?

August 31, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I was told I need a CEREC crown at my last dentist appointment. One of my teeth in the very back has a big cavity. So, he’s recommending I get it replaced with a CEREC crown. I’ve had porcelain crowns in the past. I was wondering if they will hold up the same or any better? I ask, because I grind my teeth at night. So, I need to know that a CEREC crown will hold up just as well as a porcelain crown. Also, do you know how long a CEREC crown will last?

-Elizabeth in Indiana

Elizabeth,

Well, CEREC crowns have the same lifespan as porcelain crowns. When a crown is done by an expert cosmetic dentist, it can last around 15 years or more if it is taken of. It’s not unheard of them to last over 20 years. The only main difference here is convenience. The CEREC crowns are done all in the same visit. This process completely eliminates the need for a temporary crown. The tooth is prepared, fitted and the permanent CEREC crown is placed the same day.

But, the concern here isn’t around having a CEREC crown done. It’s about your night grinding. Any kind of grinding will shorten the lifespan of any type of porcelain crown or cosmetic dentistry work. The enamel of your healthy teeth can also be damaged. Has your dentist talked about TMJ with you? TMJ can be a result of nighttime grinding. It can cause headaches, neck and jaw pain, problems with your bite and other issues. It is a serious condition that needs to be addressed sooner than later. In fact, it may be the reason you are having issues with your back tooth in the first place.

So, you need to have the grinding addressed right away. A night-guard worn at bedtime will protect your teeth and any dental work you receive moving forward. It will help keep your bite in alignment and help relieve any of the TMJ problems you may already be experiencing. If your dentist hasn’t discussed this concern with you to date, you may need to see a TMJ dentist or TMJ specialist. They will be able to pinpoint the cause and better help you.

Once the TMJ has been addressed, you should be able to get your crown and ensure it will last for years to come. If you don’t move forward with addressing your grinding issue, the crown could be damaged, just as soon as it is placed. So, getting the night-guard done will help avoid costly repairs and potential TMJ pain down the road.

Good luck!

What metals are used in a crown?

August 29, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am a holistically-minded person and am very cautious about anything I put in my body. At my last dentist appointment, I found out I need a crown. As I began researching it looks like ceramic crowns are best. Is this actually made of glass? I haven’t been able to get a straight answer it seems. I want to stay away from any metals or lithium. I am adamant about this because of my thyroid condition. Any insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

-Sheila from California

Sheila,

Ceramic crowns do not contain any metals. But, due to the nature of your question, I’m wondering if you are also insistent on avoiding metal ions as well. Unfortunately, this is a near impossible request, since every dental ceramic contains metal ions.

Here’s some background chemistry information to consider. Iron is a metal. Iron oxide is actually iron and oxygen combined, which is rust. Technically, rust is not a metal. But it does have metal ions in it. Now, you do not want to eat metallic iron. But the ions for iron are a key component in our diet and sustain our bodies. For example, our blood contains hemoglobin and also is responsible for it being red in color.

Stay with me. Another relevant example is sodium. It is a metal, which is toxic when ingested. But as a metal ion, when it is combined with chlorine, the product is salt. Other basic essential metal ions include calcium, potassium, zinc and magnesium. And there are a whole host of others.

So, to go back to your initial concern about lithium. It is a metal that is highly reactive. Therefore, doesn’t exist naturally, unless it is combined with the ion form and with other elements. So, lithium disilicate is a ceramic. It is extremely strong and is very successfully when used in a crown.

Another form of ion combined with oxygen is zirconia, which comes from the metal zirconium. A zirconia crown is one of the strongest materials used in dental crowns today.

When you mention Vita crowns. This is just a certain brand of porcelain. Porcelain crowns do contain metal ions. When the porcelain crown is bonded to the tooth, it can end up being stronger than your natural teeth. Kaolin is a clay that contains silica and aluminum oxide. Notice it is another ion, not aluminum metal.

You also asked about if the crowns were comprised of glass. The answer is no. Glass or silicon dioxide, won’t hold up as a dental crown. Some brands of crowns, like Empress crowns, may use glass in them. For example, in the Empress crowns, leucite glass contains aluminum tectosilicate.

So, those are the facts. I know it’s a lot to digest. But you seem to be a researcher. So feel free to use what I have provided here, along with what you have already compiled to best determine which type of crown is best for you.

In closing, considering your slant toward holistic practices, zirconia crowns would likely provide the least biological impact. Thank you for your question. Hopefully this information was helpful.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

I was told I’m not a porcelain veneers candidate. Is that true?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am so disappointed to hear my cosmetic dentist tell me I’m not a candidate for porcelain veneers. He blamed it on my overbite because my top teeth come down over my bottom teeth when me mouth is closed. So, his solution is six porcelain crowns on my top teeth. He also mentioned that crowns were the way to go because of tetracycline stains on my front teeth. Does this sounds like an appropriate treatment plan? I really was hoping to get porcelain veneers because I don’t want to have my front teeth all shaved down to stubs, unless it’s the only way to fix my smile. Also, can my bottom teeth be whitened to match the top ones after the cosmetic dentistry is complete?

Please let me know your thoughts?

Thanks,

Tami in Nevada

Tami,

It’s a good thing you reached out. Your intuition is right. You don’t want crowns on all your teeth because there are other options where you don’t have to have them ground down. And the overbite concern the dentist provided is also inaccurate. Porcelain veneers are applied to the front of the teeth, so no work needs to be done on the back of the front teeth. For individuals with an overbite, porcelain veneers are the better choice.

Here is what is likely happening. Not every dentist is experienced in doing cosmetic dentistry. It actually takes extensive training beyond dental school. It sounds like porcelain crowns are within your dentist’s comfort zone and porcelain veneers are not. So, first of all, you never want to push a dentist out of their comfort zone. But your overbite is not an issue that should exclude you from porcelain veneers.

Also, not every dentist is experienced in treating tetracycline stains. This kind of stains requires an expert cosmetic dentist. t sounds like it’s time to find an excellent cosmetic dentist in your area. You can still see your general dentist for routine exams, cleaning and maintenance. If you can find a cosmetic dentist that is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) that would be a great starting point.

Then, during the consultation, listen to their recommendations. Find out about their training and experience, specifically with tetracycline cases and an overbite. Porcelain veneers can be used to successfully treat your case, but ask to see before and after photos of cases similar to yours.

In regard to whitening your lower teeth, it takes a powerful formulation of teeth whitening agents to treat tetracycline stains. Kor whitening may be the best choice to address that. But an excellent cosmetic dentist will be able to present you with all the options and will absolutely be able to match the new porcelain veneers to your bottom teeth.

A beautiful smile can be yours, when you find the right cosmetic dentist. Thank you for your question. Hopefully, this was helpful.

Rough porcelain crowns.

August 23, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My wife wasn’t happy with the porcelain crowns she had done. They just didn’t look good when she smiled. We went to an approved dentist on our dental insurance plan, so we thought all would be fine. Well, when she went in for a follow-up she tried to explain how she thought they looked kind of fake. He told her he would take care of it and proceeded to buff the crowns. The buffing was supposed to make them blend in with the her other teeth. She was told that with the colors they had available, that was the best they could do. Also, they may feel rough and not be shiny like the used to be. Is this common? Even with insurance we paid a lot out of pocket for her to be unhappy.

– Rob in Utah

Rob,

When porcelain crowns are done by an excellent cosmetic dentist, there will be no settling for whatever the office has on-hand that is closest. Your question brings up a very good point about general dentistry versus cosmetic dentistry. You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, you trusted that the dentist approved by your dental insurance knew what he or she was doing. Well problem is, cosmetic dentistry is an art. It takes a passion for creating beauty and comes from more of an aesthetic perspective than a functional one.

You need to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area. Porcelain is a beautiful restoration material. It is shiny and translucent, and it should blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth. When the glaze was buffed off by your dentist, sadly this did damage them. They will deteriorate over time and since they aren’t sealed anymore, the crowns will stain and continue to look worse and worse. When you find a true cosmetic dentist, one that has pursued extensive training beyond dental school and has experience fixing cases like yours, there is a solution. A diamond polish can remedy the situation and return the porcelain crowns to their brilliance.

Of course, crowns should be functionally correct. But when it comes to beauty, stick to cosmetic dentist versus whomever your insurance has negotiated discount rates with. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. The best cosmetic dentists explain that a large percentage of their patients come from the mishaps of other dentists.

Will People Be Able to Tell If I Have Lumineers?

August 23, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I went to my dentist for a consultation on Lumineers. I thought they’d be good for me because I have uneven discoloration and a small chip on one of my teeth. I also really liked the idea of having minimal preparation work done because my teeth are healthy. I don’t want to ruin them. My dentist said that Lumineers, and any other type of veneer, are a bad choice because people will be able to see where the veneer ends and my natural tooth starts when I open my mouth wide or tip my head back. Is this true? He wants me to have “cosmetic crowns” done because they’ll cover the whole tooth and be indistinguishable. I don’t want to remove more tooth than I need to, but I also don’t want to look ridiculous. What should I do?

Sincerely,

Aurora in Illinois

Dear Aurora,

It isn’t true that porcelain veneers will look fake or that people will be able to tell where the veneer ends. Done correctly, porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking and beautiful of all dental restorations. However, with the Lumineers brand, our experience is that they often look fake–not because of seeing where the Lumineer ends, but because the color ends up being too opaque and the shape isn’t natural.

Having said that, I would still listen to your dentist because he is telegraphing to you that he is uncomfortable doing porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentistry is like an art and takes extensive training to deliver beautiful results. Although cosmetic dentistry isn’t a designated specialty are within dentistry, you should look for an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has put into place a rigorous accreditation program for dentists that seek the highest level of professionalism and skill in cosmetic dentistry. If you find an accredited cosmetic dentist, you can trust that the dentist has a high standard when it comes to the services offered.

With any kind of cosmetic dental work, the doctor has to have quite a bit of skill. This is true whether you’re getting some form of porcelain veneer, a porcelain crown, or even a tooth-colored filling. The doctor has to be able to make the colors match flawlessly and make sure the joint between the veneer and the tooth is perfectly smooth. If he fails in getting the color or translucency correct, your dental work stands out like a sore thumb. If the restoration is bulky, or not flush with your natural tooth, it will be obvious, plus it will collect debris and plaque.

Also, doing porcelain crowns would be overkill. It would seem a shame to grind down perfectly healthy teeth to do crowns simply because your family dentist doesn’t know how to do veneers well.

If you insisted on having the veneers procedure done by your current dentist, you would probably be unhappy with the results. He knows his limitations and he’s telling you he can’t make it look right, even though he’s blaming the procedure and not his technique. If you want to have porcelain veneers done, see an accredited cosmetic dentist. If you can’t find an accredited cosmetic dentist, the next best thing would be to ask about their cosmetic dentistry credentials, check out their portfolio and ask to see cases similar to yours. But whatever you decide, don’t ask your current dentist to do veneers.

Can I get my dental implants whitened?

August 23, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been really happy with my dental implants. They are in place of my two front teeth. They are holding up well and look really natural. Although, I still cringe when I look in the mirror because I don’t love my smile. I’d like to get some cosmetic dentistry done to improve my look. My dental implants show when I smile. So, I’m wondering the best approach.

Is it true that dental implants cannot be whitened? If so, then what are my options? Will placing porcelain veneers over top of the implants work? Then, I could get the rest of the surrounding teeth whitened? Do you have any advice?

-Jena in Connecticut

Jena,

Dental implants cannot be whitened. Teeth bleaching techniques only work on natural teeth. Dental implants are usually made from porcelain or another material. So, they cannot be whitened. The implants are highly stain resistant, so the idea is that they won’t become discolored. Ideally,you should have had your teeth whitened prior to getting the porcelain crowns placed onto the implants.

There are laboratories that may be able to change the color of a crown. But, they are usually made to be darker. It would be very difficult to make the crown appear lighter since the color is baked in. Also, placing a porcelain veneer over the dental implant won’t work. It wouldn’t look right and likely wouldn’t function well either.

Since the crowns are on the two front teeth, your options are limited. Unfortunately, you would have to get the crowns replaced after your natural teeth were whitened to the color you desire. Then, the new crowns could be made to match perfectly. Keep in mind, this wouldn’t mean going through the entire dental implant process over again. You would only need to have the crown replaced. The posts and screws that were surgically implanted into your jaw will be fine.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully, this post will help others that are considering dental implants. It’s always best to do the teeth whitening before getting the permanent crowns placed on the implants.

My crowns are a different color from how they looked during the try-on.

August 22, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My two front teeth needed crowns. So the dentist took a lot of time trying to match the crowns up to blend in with the teeth immediately around them. So he was super cautious asking me for my input throughout the process and we both agreed they looked great during the try-on portion of the appointment. But when he cemented them in, I was shocked when I smiled in the mirror. They look gray! When I told the dentist, he informed me that it was probably just the lighting. He said it shouldn’t be any different than what we saw during try-on because the permanent cement is transparent. Am I crazy? What do I do?

-Beth in Illinois

Beth,

Sorry to hear you are feeling unhappy with the color of your porcelain crowns. It sounds like your dentist was making ever effort to be proactive in matching them up with your surrounding teeth. There is one question that comes to mind – were the crowns dry when you signed off on them? Or was there a try-in paste that was used so you could see them?

It is possible that the paste may have provided a different color if it was used to place the crowns in temporarily. Now if the crowns were placed over the teeth and were dry, then they don’t show any color beneath because the underlying color of the tooth wouldn’t show. When the bonding takes place, the underlying tooth would be visible. Any discoloration or staining would show through. Now, it was assumed that these were all-porcelain crowns since they were on front teeth. If they were indeed porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, then the metal used in the construction of the crown may show through it. It is possible that is what the gray color your are experiencing. Most excellent cosmetic dentists would not use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

The other issue may be along the lines of what your dentist was explaining where lighting influences the color interpretation. Porcelain may appear different under day light, natural light, or even fluorescent light. That said, the bonding agents should not change colors in the curing process and should not affect the end result. So there is something strange going on here.

Give it a few days. It may just be strange to see the new teeth as they are and if it is consistent on both your teeth, then maybe it will all work out okay. Otherwise, if you can’t get pass it, make a point to diplomatically explain to your dentist why it is unacceptable. It sounds like this may end up being a learning experience for him and should be done free of charge. Good luck and thank you for your question.