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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for October 2020

Getting no cosmetic dentistry is better than going cheap

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I have six porcelain fused to metal crowns on my front teeth. In 2016, I asked my dentist to whiten my teeth, and now my crowns look bad. My dentist said I would need to get all new crowns to match my teeth. Why didn’t she tell me that before she whitened my teeth? I didn’t have money for that, so I just dealt with the mismatch.

In February 2018, I visited an AACD cosmetic dentist who told me he wouldn’t replace only six crowns. He said that if I didn’t do all eight crowns, I wouldn’t like the results. I considered getting eight crowns until the office quoted the cost of $825 per crown. I told the dentist that I need time to think about it.

So, I made the mistake of returning to the dentist that originally placed my crowns and mismatched them by whitening my teeth. She placed four new crowns for 2/3 the cost of the crowns that cost $825 each. I hated the crowns and told her that my crowns are too short and still don’t match my teeth. My dentist told me that I look at too many ads and am expecting perfect teeth. Although the teeth look short, after five visits, she corrected my bite.

It’s almost 2021, and I am depressed about my teeth. I feel like I’m throwing money away. But I’m only 53 years old, and I can’t see accepting my smile for the rest of my life. I’m getting anxious about going to a dentist who will keep me in a cycle of no-good crowns. Thanks. Alaina from NJ

Alaina,

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Get your teeth whitened before getting new crowns to ensure a match

An advanced cosmetic dentist, like the accredited cosmetic dentist you visited, will do a beautiful job in creating crowns that look good and function well. We recommend that if you can’t afford a well-trained cosmetic dentist, it’s best to leave your teeth alone, especially if your dentist adjusted your bite correctly.

The first dentist should have told you that bleaching your teeth wouldn’t help your crowns, but it would cause a noticeable color difference. And it doesn’t take an advanced cosmetic dentist to know that. If you can now afford to correct your smile, don’t compromise on quality. Be prepared to invest in a smile that a true cosmetic dentist can create. It will look good, it will last, and your quality of life will improve.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

Dental implant crowns make my mouth and teeth burn

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Almost two years ago, I received four implant crowns. After getting the crowns, my teeth feel dry. And the way my upper teeth hit my lower teeth was uncomfortable. My bite was heavy in places, and I developed the habit of tapping my teeth together. I’ve seen my dentist repeatedly for adjustments. Now I think that I have burning mouth syndrome. By mid-morning each day, the backsides of my front teeth are burning. I chew gum all day to keep the saliva flow going. My dentist told me that I need a gum specialist because nothing is wrong with my crowns. Another dentist gave me a second opinion and said my crowns are well-positioned. If that’s the case, why can’t I stop clicking my teeth together? I don’t know what to do next. Stephen from CT

 

Stephen,

Your experience gives us the impression that your dentist doesn’t have the skill and expertise to place four implant crowns all at once on upper teeth. Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, we will use your description to suggest what might be happening.

How crowns affect your bite

If your upper teeth are uncomfortably hitting your lower teeth, your crowns are disrupting your bite. When a dentist places crowns correctly, your bite will feel natural and comfortable without thinking about it. But your bite immediately felt awkward and is causing you to tap your teeth together.

Referral to a gum specialist

If your bite is off and your crowns are causing the problem, a gum specialist (periodontist) is not the answer.

Second opinion dentist

Although your crowns look perfect, your bite can still be off. When dentists place multiple crowns, they must follow occlusal principles. Your teeth must meet simultaneously and be positioned to ensure tooth function is not compromised. Although you had a second opinion, we recommend getting a third opinion.

Look for a dentist who has post-graduate training in occlusion and bite. Many dental schools don’t offer enough occlusion training for dentists to understand how to place multiple crowns at once. Find a dentist with post-graduate training in occlusion, bite, or full-mouth reconstruction from at least one of these training facilities:

  • Pankey Institute
  • Dawson Academy
  • Spear Education Center
  • Las Vegas Institute

Dry teeth and burning mouth

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Dental implant crowns can make or break yorur bite

Burning mouth syndrome might be the cause of your dry teeth and burning sensation in your mouth. The stress from your bad dental experience might be the trigger for your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is a secondary trigger for burning mouth syndrome.

After you find an advanced cosmetic dentist with training in occlusion and bite, you can receive implant crowns that look beautiful and function correctly. And your quality of life will improve.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, of Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.