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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Does My Temporary Crown Keep Falling Off?

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My temporary crown saga feels like a never-ending loop! It all started with the first one popping off just 30 hours after it was placed. My dentist glued it again, only to have it dislodge after two hours. I got a new temporary crown, but pieces of it chipped off until Sunday night when the whole thing came off. I was compliant with eating, so I don’t know why I’ve had problems with the crown. I have an appointment next month for the final crown. It’s safe to that I don’t have much confidence in the permanent crown now. Should I reject the crown from my dentist and start over with a new dentist? – Thanks. Cyan

Cyan,

Two dental crowns

Your temporary crown reflects how your final crown will look and feel

We understand your anxiety about your upcoming permanent crown placement, and the issues you’ve experienced with the temporary crowns are certainly raising understandable concerns.

  • Repeated temporary crown failure: While occasional temporary crown detachment is expected, three consecutive episodes are concerning. This could indicate issues with the tooth preparation, the material used, or the bonding technique.
  • Lab-rejected impression: This further raises doubts about the accuracy of the crown preparation. An improper impression could lead to an ill-fitting permanent crown, compromising its longevity and stability.
  • Lack of confidence: Feeling apprehensive when trust in the procedure is shaken is natural. You have every right to prioritize your comfort and well-being.

What Are Your Options When a Temporary Crown Won’t Stay On?

If your temporary crown doesn’t stay on, you can give your dentist another chance to secure it, get a second opinion, or transfer to a new dentist immediately.

  • Second opinion: Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist dentist for an objective assessment. They can evaluate the tooth preparation, analyze the temporary crown issues, and offer expert advice on the permanent crown’s viability.
  • Transferring care: You have the right to switch dentists’ mid-procedure. Your current dentist has an ethical obligation to seamlessly collaborate in transferring your case.
  • Financial considerations: Discuss reimbursement options with your new dentist if your concerns are confirmed. Depending on the situation, seeking partial or full reimbursement from the initial dentist may be realistic.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

 

Should I Get Veneers or Invisalign for Overbite?

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My dentist is referring me to an orthodontist for mild overbite correction with Invisalign. As I asked, she said she could not do porcelain veneers because it wouldn’t work. She said the only option is to do porcelain crowns on my six front teeth instead of veneers. I do not want my teeth ground down for crowns. My other concern is tetracycline stains on my teeth. I am not sure how the stains would get resolved with just orthodontics. Are there options other than what my dentist knows about? Thank you.  – Leigha

Leigha,

You are wise to decline crowns on your front upper teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist can place veneers and confine the work to the fronts of your teeth to soften mild overbite and conceal tetracycline stains.  Severe overbite requires orthodontics. Your dentist’s options of orthodontic treatment or all crowns imply that she is uncomfortable using porcelain veneers for your procedure. Skilled cosmetic dentists do not decline to do veneers because of mild overbite.

Should You Get Veneers or Invisalign for Overbite?

After an exam and X-rays, a skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether you can benefit from porcelain veneers or Invisalign for an overbite. Mild overbite cases can benefit from porcelain veneers, but a dentist may recommend orthodontics for severe cases.

Will Invisalign Correct Overbite?

Invisalign will correct an overbite. If you prefer orthodontics to straighten your teeth, an experienced Invisalign provider or orthodontist can do it.

Dental Crowns for Six Front Teeth

Getting dental crowns for six front teeth has some disadvantages.

  • Grinds away healthy teeth – If your teeth are healthy, your dentist will grind away tooth structure to place crowns over them. And if your dentist is trying to correct overbite with crowns, a significant amount of tooth structure will be gone.
  • Does not complete your smile – Eight to twelve teeth show when you smile, so crowns for six teeth will still leave teeth on either side dark from tetracycline stains.

Concealing Tetracycline Stains

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers can conceal mild overbite and tetracycline stains

A skilled cosmetic dentist and ceramist can craft porcelain veneers to conceal tetracycline stains. However, this requires advanced training and knowledge of manipulating color and translucence without making the veneers look pasty.

Many experienced cosmetic dentists successfully treat tetracycline stains with in-office whitening and porcelain veneers. It may be possible to improve your tooth color with bleaching and correct your overbite with Invisalign, but stay away from a dentist who wants to grind down your teeth from crowns.

Get a Second Opinion

We recommend that you find an expert cosmetic dentist for a consultation. After examining your teeth, the dentist will discuss your options.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Why Is My Bite Off with My New Implant Bridge?

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Man holding the side of his face after biting an appleMy new implant bridge replaced two upper left teeth. Biting on that side of my mouth feels weird, like my bite is off. I did not have the issue before I got the bridge. My dentist tried to correct my bite twice, and after that, she suggested that I need orthodontics. She said that she does Invisalign, and we can discuss it during my next appointment. I feel like my dentist is trying to sell me something that I do not need. I am not sure what to do about it. How should I answer my dentist? Thanks. Luke, Austin, TX

 

Luke

With or without a dental bridge, your upper and lower teeth should touch simultaneously when you bite. If the problem continues, you can develop TMJ disorder.

What Causes Bite Misalignment with a New Implant Bridge?

When your bite is off with a new implant bridge, two possible causes are:

  1. The dentist restored the implants incorrectly
  2. The implant dentist or surgeon placed the implants in the wrong place

Dental implants restored incorrectly

A dentist must correctly attach implant crowns, a bridge, or a denture to implants. Also, the dentist must ensure the new replacement teeth harmonize with your bite.

Dental implants in the wrong place

If a dentist and oral surgeon do not communicate closely, the surgeon may position the implants in a way that makes it challenging or impossible to place your bridge correctly. This problem occurs if the dentist does not give the oral surgeon a surgical guide for your mouth. A surgical guide is a template for your implants’ exact angle and position.

Schedule a Second Opinion

Please do not consider orthodontic treatment. Although your dentist may want you to get Invisalign, it does not seem that orthodontic treatment is the solution to your issue. We recommend getting a second opinion from an implant dentist with advanced training or who partners with an oral surgeon to place dental implants. The implant dentist will determine if the location of your implants, your bridge—or both—must be corrected to fix your bite.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Should My Porcelain Veneers Still Hurt?

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My porcelain veneers hurt, and I want them removed. I got them in early September, and all eight veneers still hurt. I take ibuprofen twice daily – in the morning before work, then six hours later. I know ibuprofen isn’t good for my stomach, but my dentist seems clueless. He examined the veneers and my teeth and asked me to be patient because the veneers would become more comfortable. How long will it take for the pain to go away? And why didn’t anyone tell me that porcelain veneers hurt for weeks after you got them? Thanks. Dehlia for IN

Dehlia,

Should Your Porcelain Veneers Still Hurt?

Porcelain veneers after photo of a woman's smile that was restored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek.

Porcelain veneers should look natural and be comfortable

Porcelain veneers should not hurt. Although you may experience sensitivity in your teeth after getting veneers, the sensitivity should not linger. Still, the veneers should not hurt. You’ve experienced symptoms for over a month, which is unusual, so we recommend scheduling an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

A cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth and veneers to determine the cause of your discomfort and how to alleviate it. Perhaps the dentist aggressively prepared your teeth by shaving away too much tooth enamel, or you may have tooth infections.

Can You Remove Porcelain Veneers and Return to Natural Teeth?

After a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, you cannot have them removed and return to your natural teeth, which would increase sensitivity. You will need some type of cosmetic dentistry to protect your teeth, and veneers are less invasive than dental crowns.

Without an exam and X-rays, we will not guess what is causing your pain, so promptly make an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist. The dentist will explain your options for getting relief.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

How Can I Switch Out a Partial Denture’s Metal Clasps?

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After spending $1925 for a titanium upper partial denture, I still wish I had dental implants. It’s the clasps around my teeth that bother me. I feel like they disrupt my smile. Maybe I’m too self-conscious. Is there a way to replace the metal clasps with gum-colored ones? Perhaps my dentist told me about the clasps, or I didn’t consider how I would feel about them. The two replacement teeth in the partial denture look natural, but what good is that when you can see metal strung around my teeth to keep the partial in place? Thanks. Geno from NJ

Gene,

We understand your concerns about the clasps on your partial denture.

Can You Switch the Clasps on Your Partial Denture?

The metal claps on your denture are a part of the framework, so you cannot switch them out. Too many alterations to the claps will cause them to break. Adding anything over a partial denture’s clasps to hide the metal will make getting them on your teeth impossible. If you could get the clasps on, they would be uncomfortable. Sometimes, a dentist may be able to reduce the shine on the clasps. You can ask your dentist if it is an option for you.

Alternatives to a Partial Denture with Metal Clasps

Clasps made of biocompatible nylon and thermoplastic resin are an alternative to metal. Although not as sturdy as a metal denture, a Valplast partial denture is flexible and less noticeable because the base and clasps are gum-colored.

Dental Implant vs. Partial Denture

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial root

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth for optimal function and long-lasting results.

Although a dental implant costs more than a partial denture, consider the differences in longevity, support, and reliability.

  • Longevity – A quality partial denture can last five to ten years. A dental implant can last ten years or longer—even a lifetime.
  • Support – Your jawbone supports a dental implant. It does not rely on or clip onto adjacent teeth, so it will not weaken them over time.
  • Reliability – Dental implants function like natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing keep them clean.
  • Cost – You will need one dental implant for each missing tooth or an implant bridge for multiple missing teeth in a row. Depending on your needs, a complete dental implant can cost $3,000 to $5,000.

Talk to Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about your concerns with your partial denture. When it’s time to replace the denture—or before, if you prefer—find a skilled implant dentist to discuss replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. His office is near Dracut, Methuen, Andover, and Lawrence.