cosmetic dentist crowns Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Which Crowns Should I Request for My Front Teeth?

Posted on October 21, 2024 by AllSmiles.

What brands or types of crowns should I request for front teeth? I’m looking to replace the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on my two front teeth. The crowns are bulky and discolored. I have a root canal done on one of them and would like to know the most aesthetic-looking restoration that might have to cover up a dark tooth. I’ve been told that the feldspathic layered porcelain could achieve that, but I’m concerned about the strength of this type of crown. Any light you can shed on this for me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Silas from Mt. Vernon, NY

Silas,

The material used for your crowns is important, but the skill of the dentist and ceramist is even more crucial for natural results. While porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns may not provide the most natural appearance, all-ceramic options like feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate, or zirconia can closely mimic the look of natural teeth.

Your dentist or ceramist may use various techniques to mask the discoloration of your root-canaled tooth. One approach involves building the tooth with composite material before placing the crown. Another option is to incorporate an opaque layer within the crown.

Many dentists succeed with e.max crowns, which combine lithium disilicate strength with feldspathic porcelain’s aesthetic appeal.

A successful restoration lies in the hands of a skilled dentist and ceramist who can expertly match the color and shape of your crowns to your existing teeth.

Rather than requesting a crown type, material, or brand, it’s best to trust a skilled cosmetic dentist’s expertise. Allowing them to select the materials and techniques they are most comfortable with maximizes the chances of achieving a beautiful, long-lasting result.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

Will I be able to find a cosmetic dentist to reverse my gap closure?

Posted on January 12, 2019 by AllSmiles.

I visited a cosmetic dentist to have a gap closed. I lived with the gap for 40 years but finally decided to close it because it looked like it was becoming larger. The dentist recommended 6 dental crowns. He seemed like he knew what he was doing. I’m sorry that I wasn’t told that closing the gap would change my speech and that I would have to practice pronouncing certain words to make them clear. Also, it might be a coincidence, but I’m now having neck and jaw pain. My dentist claims it just takes time to get used to my teeth without a gap between them. I received the crowns in November. Is this a long-term adjustment? I’m certainly not asking him to do anymore work on my teeth, but is it possible to have the crowns removed from my center front teeth so I can just live with the gap and be able to speak clearly again? Thanks. Austin

Austin,

It is likely that the dental crowns you received from the cosmetic dentist are the cause of your speech problems and your neck and jaw pain. True cosmetic dentists close gaps with dental crowns and their patients have no speech issues or neck and jaw pain.

Before we continue with an explanation of a possible cause of your discomfort, let us explain what we meant by a “true cosmetic dentist.”

What Is True Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry involves enhancing the appearance of teeth. Any dentist can claim to be able to repair or fix your teeth—any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. But a true cosmetic dentist has several qualifications, including:

Extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry
Artistic inclination
Participates in on-going training for cosmetic dentistry to stay current with the latest tools and techniques needed to give you a natural-looking smile

A small amount of cosmetic dentists in the United States are so passionate about producing beautiful results that they set the goal of becoming accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Accreditation attests to a dentist’s clinical skill and artistic ability, because it includes:

A written exam
An oral exam by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry
Completing, extensively documenting, and submitting five patient cases that demonstrate a broad range of cosmetic dentistry work

What’s Causing Your Discomfort?

Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your teeth, crowns, and bite, it seems that your cosmetic dentist opened your bite too far. Crowns that are too thick or too long can prevent your lips from closing together naturally. If your crowns are too thick, your bite—or the way your teeth fit together—could be misaligned and jaw and neck pain can result.

Can Your Gap Closure Be Reversed?

We realize that you’re disappointed and frustrated. When a patient receives dental crowns, his or her natural teeth are prepared—significantly shaved down—to ensure the dental crowns fit over the teeth. The tooth reduction cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to have your natural teeth as they were before. If the issue cannot be corrected with your existing crowns, you will need new crowns.

What’s Next?

You’ll need a consultation and a second opinion.

Before you schedule a consultation, try to find an accredited cosmetic dentist. If you can’t find an accredited dentist, select a cosmetic dentist who has extensive training, beyond dental school, in occlusion/bite and cosmetic dentistry. Look on the dentist’s website for information on his or her education, training, and credentials.
Schedule a consultation; it will likely last 10-15 minutes. Some patients decide to schedule consultations with two different cosmetic dentists so they can compare options, costs, office environments, the dentist’s interaction with them, and whatever is important to the patient to have a positive experience.
During the consultation, ask to see before-and-after photos of the work the dentist has completed on multiple patients whose gaps were closed with dental crowns.
If you’re pleased with your interaction with the dentist, you can schedule an appointment for an examination to determine the cause of the issues you’re experiencing.
After an examination, and possibly digital x-rays, the dentist will explain the source of the problem, as well as your treatment options.

The before-and-after photos below show how cosmetic dentistry with dental crowns can beautiful close gaps between teeth.

BEFORE
AFTER

This post is sponsored by Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is located in Lowell, MA and is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Need a good cosmetic dentist fast for crowns on my front teeth

Posted on June 20, 2016 by AllSmiles.

I am trying to narrow down cosmetic dentists in my area who do a great job with dental crowns on front teeth. The issue is it needs to be done pretty much within 4 days. I will be on assignment overseas starting July 18. The only time I have for any dental work is 4 days. So I’ve found several cosmetic dentists online who look like they have good credentials. I know some specialists can do amazing job but they have to take their time and go slow. I only have 4 days, so how do I find out if the dentist can do the crowns quickly? Thanks Milton

Milton – Beautiful dental crowns require more than four days. A skilled cosmetic dentist works with a master ceramist to produce lifelike crowns in a lab. It is a challenge to provide natural-looking crowns for front teeth, and the process should not be rushed.

Your porcelain crowns should match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. It takes time to manipulate the porcelain and create a perfect match. It may take a week or two to receive your custom crowns from the dental lab.

If you have an immediate need for restoring your teeth, speak with two or three cosmetic dentists to get a recommendation for a temporary restoration. A high-quality temporary crown can last many months. The condition of your teeth will determine what dental work should be done and when.

We recommend that you not rush the process. You may be able to find a cosmetic dentist to quickly provide you with dental crowns for your front teeth, but you when you see the results, you may regret it.

Have a consultation with two or three dentists, and discuss your options first. Ask to see before-and-after photos of each dentist’s work.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.