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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can I Get My Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

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I am concerned about the toxicity of my metal crowns because they contain palladium. I want all six crowns replaced with veneers, so I will know that I don’t have metal in my mouth. How do I find a dentist who will replace them? Thank you. Len from Manhattan

Len

Thank you for your question.

Palladium is a moderately biocompatible noble metal in the platinum group. Sensitivities to the metal are rare, but it is possible to react to palladium. Most dental crowns and bridges with a metal framework contain palladium.

Still, if you want a metal-free alternative, consider these factors:

Can You Replace Dental Crowns with Veneers?

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation and do not work for teeth that had crowns on them

A dentist is unable to replace dental crowns with veneers. Preparing teeth for crowns requires shaving each tooth on all sides to allow the crown to fit over it. Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts of your teeth and require minimal preparation. After a dentist shaves tooth structure in preparation for crowns, you will not have enough tooth structure for veneers. You can only get new crowns.

The Role of Metals in the Human Body

Our daily nutrition and life rely on metal ions.

  • Sodium – As a pure metal, sodium is toxic. It becomes salt when combined with chlorine.
  • Iron – We cannot consume metallic iron, but iron ions in our hemoglobin give our blood its red color and help our muscles store and use oxygen.
  • Other metal ions – Other metals that we need for a healthy diet and nutrition include:
    • Calcium
    • Cobalt
    • Copper
    • Magnesium
    • Manganese
    • Molybdenum
    • Potassium
    • Zinc

What about Ceramic Crowns?

  • Lithium – Sodium-based is in ocean water. Lithium disilicate is a high-strength ceramic. E.max crowns contain lithium disilicate.
  • Zirconium – Zirconium dioxide or zirconia is so strong that engineers use it in aerodynamics. It is more durable than other ceramics for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns make exceptionally durable dental bridges.
  • Porcelain – Cosmetic dentists mainly use porcelain crowns for front teeth because porcelain is not as strong as lithium or zirconia. Dental porcelain contains kaolin, a clay that contains silica and the ion aluminum oxide, which is not a metal.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns about your metal-based crowns and alternatives for replacing them.

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

Is swallowing ground porcelain crown particles harmful?

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Two weeks ago, my dentist placed a porcelain crown on a top right molar tooth. My bite was off, so my dentist ground down in crown in some places. Neither she nor the dental assistant rinsed my mouth. I felt some sandy particles go down my throat. What else could it be other than porcelain powder? Isn’t porcelain glass? I was upset with myself for not asking them to rinse my mouth. Should I be concerned? Thanks. Amari

Amari,

There aren’t any safety concerns about swallowing porcelain power because porcelain is biocompatible. Although there is some glass in porcelain, it’s not glass. And dental porcelain is made of the following components:

  • Feldspar (a mineral)
  • Silica (sand)
  • Kaolin (clay)
  • Some glass (mostly silica)
  • Coloring agents

When a dentist grinds down a porcelain crown, the sharpness of the glass particles is reduced. And the particles shouldn’t harm your throat or stomach.

A dental crown hovering below an upper front tooth

Although porcelain is biocompatible, your cosmetic dentist should prevent you from swallowing it

Although ground porcelain isn’t a health concern, it’s unpleasant for you. And it’s bad for a dentist to be negligent and allow you to swallow debris or anything else from a dental procedure. Although dental materials are safe for oral use, they are not designed for swallowoing.

Skilled cosmetic dentists—and all conscientious dentists—use high-volume suction to rinse your mouth and remove debris regularly. What’s left in your mouth should be rinsed and spit or suctioned out. Carelessly leaving stuff behind in your mouth is poor service and a good way to lose your confidence in your dentist’s concern for your comfort and oral health.

The good news is that you’ll be okay. You didn’t mention any past negative experiences with your dentist. But if you continue to experience them in the future, you might want to ask yourself if it’s worth it.

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

My porcelain crowns don’t match my natural teeth

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Last October I got 3 porcelain crowns for upper teeth in the front of my mouth. One of the crowns matches the color of my natural teeth but the other 2 don’t match. Twice my dentist attempted to make the color match. He keeps saying the lab didn’t get it right. Through the whole process I have not pretended to be pleased, so with my last visit he said that he could try it again or if I want to leave the teeth as they are, he will give me a discount. 3 attempts? I have no confidence in his ability to get the match correct. I am disappointed and frustrated. What next? – Jane H.

Jane – Unfortunately, your experience shows how different an outcome can be, depending on the dentist who does the work. An artistically inclined cosmetic dentist beautifully restores teeth with porcelain crowns.

Although your dentist says attributes the color-match issue to the laboratory, it is the dentist who supplies the technician with notes and instructions to create your dental crowns. Color-match photography is available to take a color-accurate photograph of your teeth. The photograph can be sent to the technician, along with the dentist’s notes to get an accurate match.

You must decide whether or not you want your dentist to try the color match again. You have the option of making an appointment with a skilled and credentialed cosmetic dentist who can provide you with crowns to perfectly match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.

Since your dentist offered a discount because you are displeased with the work, perhaps he will be willing to provide you with some sort of compensation if you decide to let a cosmetic dentist do the work.

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