Archives for June 2024

I’m Disappointed in My Smile Makeover with Crowns

Posted on June 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I wanted a smile makeover and assumed I would get porcelain veneers. Instead, I have ten upper teeth covered by dental crowns. I am unsure whether I misunderstood my dentist or he misunderstood me and what I wanted. However, I now realize my dentist’s tooth preparation on my teeth was more aggressive for dental crowns than if I had veneers. I thought I told my dentist I didn’t want my teeth ground down. The crowns look good, but I didn’t want them. I feel like I’ve been tricked, but I am embarrassed that I was unaware of what my dentist was doing to my teeth. Would a second opinion help? Thank you. Graham from Newark, NJ

Graham,

Many dentists charge the same for porcelain crowns and veneers because they require the same work. Dentists frequently use dental crowns for cosmetic reasons.

Why Use Dental Crowns for a Smile Makeover?

A dental crown covers the entire tooth

A dentist may use crowns instead of porcelain veneers for a smile makeover when teeth are severely worn or decayed and too much tooth structure is missing for a porcelain veneer. If the tooth is weak or has fillings, a crown may be a better option.

Another possibility is that a dentist may be uncomfortable with porcelain veneers and prefer dental crowns. Porcelain veneers cover the fronts of teeth, whereas dental crowns cover the entire tooth. Although you already have crowns, you can ask your dentist to explain why he placed crowns instead of veneers. You cannot reverse your cosmetic dental work, but you deserve an explanation if you thought you were getting dental veneers.

You would not need a second opinion unless you were experiencing problems with the dental crowns.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Gold Crowns Best for Lower Front Teeth?

Posted on June 26, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed a root canal on my lower center front teeth. She said I would need crowns on the teeth, but their roots are short, so their strength and stability are uncertain. My dentist’s solution is to use porcelain fused to crown crowns instead of ceramic crowns for the teeth. she would use two crowns on the root canal teeth and a crown on the teeth immediately to the right and left. She would ask the lab to connect the crowns at their side for stability. She said the metal could be unseen, and the crowns could look like individual teeth. What happens if my gums recede, and a dark line shows through them? My dentist says the lab can work with the crowns to minimize a dark line, which is the best solution for my weak teeth. Her solution surprised me. Does this sound like a reasonable way to address the concerns with my lower front teeth? Thank you. Angelica from Illinois

Angelica,

All-ceramic crowns may not be suitable for lower central incisors. You can get a second opinion.

All-ceramic crowns look more natural at the gumline. When porcelain is fused to metal, a dark line may eventually show. However, be cautious about asking your dentist to use materials she may not feel comfortable using. You may get the treatment method you want by consulting a cosmetic dentist.

Your dentist wants to split the crowns together. Several factors are in favor of porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns.

A black line from the metal in a crown rarely shows on lower front teeth.
With a fused-to-gold crown, your dentist will grind away less tooth structure. Conservative tooth preparation is significant for small teeth.
Joining the metal in each crown provides a strong framework for your teeth.

From your description, your dentist’s recommendation seems reasonable and has advantages over all-ceramic crowns. However, a skilled cosmetic dentist can give you a second opinion and determine whether there is a more aesthetic and equally healthy way to restore your teeth.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Delaune strives to be among the best dentists in Metairie.

How Can I Find a Dentist to Bleach My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on June 19, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How can I find a dentist to bleach my porcelain veneers? I got my teeth whitened before getting porcelain veneers. My family dentist assured me she could match the veneers to my teeth. However, when my dentist showed the shade tab for veneers, the whitest shade was darker than my teeth. So, now I have veneers and am self-conscious because the four veneers on my front teeth do not match the teeth around them. Can I get my porcelain veneers bleached? I’m afraid to ask my dentist because she would want to bleach the veneers, and I no longer trust her. Thanks. Sydneigh

Sydneigh,

True cosmetic dentists are sensitive to aesthetics.

How Can You Find a Dentist to Bleach Your Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers are colorfast, and bleaching will not lighten them. Although you won’t be able to find a dentist to bleach your veneers, a cosmetic dentist and ceramist can make your porcelain veneers as white as you want—even brighter than bleached natural teeth.

Understanding Dentistry Shade Guides

Many dentists are not artistic and lack the training and experience to match your veneers and teeth. A supplemental shade guide for bleached teeth is four shades brighter than B1, which dental schools teach is the brightest. Some dentists are unaware of the supplemental shade guide for bleached teeth.

If you want a beautiful smile makeover and porcelain veneers matching your natural teeth, schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists. Look for dentists with post-graduate training in aesthetics. Visit the smile gallery on the dentist’s website to see before-and-after patient photos of cases like yours.

During the consultation, each dentist should explain, in terms you understand, how they will color-match new porcelain veneers to your teeth.

Ask Your Dentist for a Refund

Your dentist didn’t deliver what you wanted—porcelain veneers that match your whitening teeth. Ask your dentist for a refund. If she refuses, you can explain that you will leave a negative online review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. You can also report the issue to the state dental Board. Although the Board may not reprimand your dentist, your complaint will be on file.

Best wishes for a smooth resolution.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Delaune strives to be among the best dentists in Metairie.