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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Is Zirconia Dust from My Crowns Causing an Allergic Reaction?

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My dentist has ground down all ten of my dental crowns to balance my occlusion. The first round of adjustments was so intense that my gums and lips broke out in hives. The crowns are made of zirconia, so could I be allergic to the dust from the grinding process? My mouth is still irritated, but more concerning is that my bite is still off.  I am frustrated and wonder whether I should ask for a refund and get crowns from another dentist. Thanks. Ezra from WA

Ezra,

We’re sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with new dental crowns.

Can You React to Zirconia Dust?

While it’s possible to have a temporary reaction to zirconia dust, any symptoms should subside once the dust clears. Grinding down zirconia can be a challenging procedure due to the material’s toughness, especially when adjusting your bite. We haven’t seen any confirmed cases of true zirconia allergy. Your symptoms sound more like burning mouth syndrome, which is often triggered by stressful dental experiences.

Why Resolve Bite Issues with Crowns?

It’s a concern that your bite is still off after having ten crowns placed. A proper bite, where your teeth mesh harmoniously, is crucial for comfortable chewing and overall jaw health. An imbalanced bite can lead to jaw muscle spasms, headaches, and other issues associated with TMJ disorder. I recommend seeking a second opinion, as your current dentist may be out of their depth with this complex issue.

New dental crownsUnderstanding the intricacies of bite alignment isn’t typically covered in standard dental school curricula. Dentists who specialize in this area usually attend post-graduate institutes.

Consider finding a dentist who has completed training at one of these reputable institutes:

  • The L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida
  • The Dawson Academy in Florida
  • Spear Education in Arizona
  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Nevada

The ongoing stress from your unharmonious bite is likely contributing to your hives. Getting a second opinion from a specialist can help resolve these issues.

 

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

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