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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Do I really need to replace all of my crowns so they match?

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I have 8 crowns on my top front teeth that are 17 years old. I know that I am fortunate that they lasted so long, so no complaints here. One of the left canine crowns is lose. I am worried that it will come off. I saw my dentist and he said rather than replacing one crown he really needs to replace them all. I went into the office expecting to have the one tooth fixed, but not needing a new crown on every tooth. Do I really need to have all of the crowns replaced at the same time? Do they all need to be replaced anyway? Thank you. Anita

 

Anita – One lose crown doesn’t mean that all of your crowns need to be replaced. In general, it might be easier for a dentist to ensure the crowns match by replacing them all, but a skilled cosmetic dentist can perfectly match the replacement crown.

If you’ve had crowns for 17 years, it might be time to replace them. A cosmetic dentist will need to measure your crowns at the margin, their overall condition, and your bite to determine if they are wearing out. If any part of your natural teeth is exposed due to wear from the crowns, tooth decay can occur.

Another consideration is the color of your crowns. If they look worn, or if you want a brighter smile, eventually all of your crowns will need to be replaced. If you want a whiter smile and only replace one crown at a time, keep in mind that your new crowns will be noticeably whiter than the others.

It’s more affordable to receive crowns in phases, but the crowned teeth won’t match until all of the work is done.

Speak with your current dentist and with two accredited cosmetic dentists. An accredited cosmetic dentist has extensive post-graduate training in designing smiles that look completely natural.Let each dentist know your goals for your smile and find out how treatment can be made affordable for you. Remember that an examination is required to determine the condition of your crowns and teeth. Each dentist should let you know your options. Compare your options and decide which dentist you want to replace your crowns.

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

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

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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.

Porcelain veneers or crowns for my worn teeth?

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My teeth are worn and discolored. I am going to make appointments with 2 different dentists to see what they recommend. I just need some direction before I see the dentists so I don’t get oversold or undersold. Should I go with one who recommends porcelain veneers or one who recommends porcelain crowns? Jon

Jon – A conservative, conscientious dentist will first examine your teeth to identify the cause of the wear and discoloration.

If the wear is caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding, that issue must be addressed first. Many patients who grind their teeth are not good candidates for porcelain veneers. The force on the teeth from grinding can fracture a veneer.

An experienced cosmetic dentist will recommend the most conservative treatment. If you do not grind your teeth, and if you have adequate healthy tooth structure, porcelain veneers are a more conservative treatment than porcelain crowns. Teeth are minimally prepared before the veneers are bonded to them. If preparation is required, only 0.5mm to 1mm of the enamel surface is removed. A disadvantage is that veneers cost more than crowns. Porcelain crowns require reducing the size of natural teeth so that crowns will fit over them. This is a process that reduces a significant amount of tooth structure, and it cannot be reversed.

It is possible that your smile can be rejuvenated with teeth whitening and dental composite. An artistic cosmetic dentist can manipulate composite to match the characteristics and translucence of your natural teeth. This is a minimally invasive treatment that will last for years if you take proper care of it. Some patients only require cosmetic contouring, which shapes the teeth to help them appear symmetrical and balanced.

When looking for dentists with whom you can have a consultation, we recommend that you find experienced cosmetic dentists who have artistic talent. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and beautiful. He or she may recommend one or more treatment options to help you achieve your goals for your smile. An examination and diagnostic studies are required to accurately inform you of your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Cracked 2 teeth playing musical chairs. Which cosmetic dentistry is best?

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Over the weekend I was bar hopping with some friends. We ended up drinking more than I thought we would, singing karaoke and playing musical chairs until late. I didn’t make it in a seat and my feet slipped out from under me. When I fell I also slid and my teeth hit the metal on one of the chairs. I now have a crack to in two different teeth. Won’t be repeating that performance. What cosmetic treatment will work best for me a veneer or a crown? – Tim

Tim – Your teeth need to be examined by an experienced cosmetic dentist. The treatment that will be recommended will depend on the length and severity of the crack in each tooth.

It is possible that your teeth can be restored with dental bonding. After your teeth are roughened, composite bonding that matches the color of your teeth will be applied to them. The bonding will be smoothed, shaped, and polished for a natural look. You will have to be careful to avoid an excess of food and drink that can stain your bonding, such as berries, coffee, tea, and colas. Tobacco use can also stain bonding.

Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are more stain resistant. They are also more durable than dental bonding, which will wear and need to be replaced in a few years.

If you are fortunate enough to find an accredited cosmetic dentist, the results with the restoration of your teeth will be so beautiful that you won’t be able to tell the teeth were once damaged.

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

I think my tooth is cracked

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Two weeks ago I mistakenly bit down on something hard that should not have been in the food I was eating. I was sure that my tooth was broken. My tongue was bleeding on that side of my mouth. I went to the dentist the next day. She took x-rays and said that everything looked fine. I took ibuprofen for several days and it felt a little better. This week my tooth started throbbing. I really think it is cracked. Should I go back to the dentist? – Rob

Rob – At times, when I tooth is first traumatized, the damage doesn’t immediately show up on an x-ray. You should make an appointment with your dentist to have your tooth examined again.

If you are getting an infection in the tooth, it will require a root canal treatment and a porcelain crown to prevent it from breaking. The nerve in the tooth will eventually die, blood will no longer flow to the tooth, and it will become weak. The crown protects the tooth.

If the root of the tooth is fractured, the tooth cannot be saved. It will need to be replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

See your dentist to get an accurate diagnosis and to find out your treatment options.

This post is courtesy of Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.