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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

My New Zirconia Crowns Are Solid White and Look Fake

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I got new zirconia crowns to replace my old ones. I know which is worse – my old yellowing or solid white zirconia crowns that look like I put fake teeth over mine. I’m embarrassed. My dentist says the crowns are solid white because they are monolithic, and I asked for white teeth. Why didn’t he warn me about how the crowns would look?

I plan to ask for a refund, but I’ve seen two dentists who say they can replace the crowns. How do I know what results to expect? My anxiety is making it difficult to sleep. I never thought that getting new crowns would be this stressful. Ben from San Antonio

Ben,

We understand your anxiety and frustration.

Since zirconia comes from a ceramic block, the lab can’t customize it to mimic our natural teeth’s variations in color and translucence. So, a lab ceramist will veneer zirconia with porcelain when placed in the smile zone. Blending various colors when applying porcelain paste to the crowns helps reproduce a tooth’s appearance is called layered zirconia. Monolithic zirconia, without porcelain layers, is inappropriate for a front tooth because it will not look natural. Additionally, your dentist placed your crowns too far forward, detracting from your smile.

How Can You Find a Cosmetic Dentist for Natural-Looking Crowns?

You can find a cosmetic dentist for natural-looking crowns by researching dentists’ technical skills and artistic ability.

  • Look for Accreditation: Find an expert cosmetic dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To achieve accreditation, dentists must pass demanding written and clinical examinations that confirm to the examiners their comprehensive knowledge and the artistic capability needed to create a beautiful smile.
  • Ask to See Before-and-After Pictures: Some expert cosmetic dentists have chosen not to go through the AACD’s accreditation program. However, all such experts should be able to show you photographs of their beautiful work with dental crowns. Ask to see pictures of similar cases a dentist has completed.
  • Avoid Making Cost a Priority: While some highly skilled cosmetic dentists charge premium fees, many have fee structures comparable to local dentists. High-quality cosmetic dentistry requires the finest materials and the best dental laboratories, requiring dentists to invest the time to achieve a beautiful result. So, if you’re searching for cheap dental work, it’s unlikely to be beautiful.

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.

Dental crowns before and after photos by Lowell, MA, dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

Dental crowns by Lowell, MA, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

 

What’s Causing My New Dental Crowns to Turn Yellow?

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I’ve been distressed since getting my six porcelain crowns on my upper front teeth in October. I chose the color BL1, aiming for a truly white smile because my natural teeth have always been white.

However, the crowns don’t seem to match the color I selected. To make matters worse, they’re starting to yellow. Even after drinking coffee or other beverages, I notice a slight staining. I have a consultation scheduled for Monday and hope you can provide some helpful insight into what the dentist might recommend.

The yellowing has made me self-conscious, and I don’t smile as much. Supersmile toothpaste hasn’t made a difference. I feel like I’ve wasted my time and money on the crowns. – Thanks. Warner from IL

 

Warner,

If your dentist used genuine porcelain, your crowns should not stain or yellow. However, there are a few potential explanations for the issue you’re experiencing.

New dental crownsOne possibility is that the crowns were made from a cheaper resin material, which is more prone to staining. Another less likely scenario is that the glaze on the porcelain crowns may have been compromised, perhaps due to a harsh polishing technique or acidic exposure. Acidulated fluoride, for instance, can etch the porcelain’s surface, making it susceptible to staining. Even a powerful toothpaste like Supersmile may be ineffective in this case, as it primarily targets the protein pellicle on natural teeth.

Regarding the color choice, BL1 is an extremely white shade, often used for heavily bleached teeth. While it’s possible to achieve such whiteness, it’s important to consider the overall balance of your smile. A stark contrast between your front teeth and the rest of your dentition might appear unnatural. Working closely with your dentist to select a crown shade that complements your natural teeth and facial features is crucial.

We recommend seeking a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist to diagnose the problem accurately.

your feedback and work with you to achieve the smile you desire.

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.

Can I Get Oversized Dental Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

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My new dentist replaced four old crowns on my front teeth in June, but they were too thick and too big. She redid the crowns, but they were still oversized and uncomfortable. The crowns make my lips protrude. Although my dentist says she is willing to try again, I’m done and want to switch dentists. Can I get the oversized crowns replaced with veneers? Thank you. Darlene from Mobile, AL

Darlene,

Thank you for your question. We understand your frustration. Dr. Szarek would need to examine your crowns to determine when they are so bulky, but we will answer your question about switching from dental crowns to veneers.

Can You Replace Oversized Dental Crowns with Veneers?

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneers bond to fronts of teeth, but dental crowns cover the entire tooth

You are unable to replace dental crowns with porcelain veneers. Preparing a tooth for a crown requires shaving it down every side of the tooth—making it too small to support a porcelain veneer. In contrast, tooth preparation for porcelain veneers is different. Sometimes, veneers do not require any preparation at all. When a skilled dentist must prepare your teeth for veneers, they will only remove a fraction of a millimeter from the front of each affected tooth.

Your teeth are already prepared for dental crowns, and insufficient tooth structure is left to support porcelain veneers. Also, veneers would leave the backs of your shaved-down teeth exposed and susceptible to decay. You can only replace dental crowns with new crowns.

Get a Second Opinion

Although a cosmetic dentist can only replace your existing crowns with new ones, you do not need to repeat an unpleasant experience with another dentist. Please look for dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and years of experience practicing the art.

Tips on selecting a dentist:

  • Read the dentist’s patients’ reviews. If you cannot find any reviews, be cautious.
  • Schedule a consultation with one or two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss how to resolve your concerns.
  • Ask to see before-and-after patient photos of the dentist’s experience with crowns.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can replace your crowns and make them look natural.

 

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