All posts by AllSmiles

Porcelain Crowns

When Your Porcelain Crowns Don’t Match Your Natural Teeth

I have two new porcelain crowns on my center front teeth. One of the crowns is slightly darker than the other one but neither crown matches my natural teeth. I feel like crying because of the amount of money that I spent to get a pretty smile. This is something that is noticeable. I asked my sister to look at my teeth, and without my saying anything she noticed the difference between the two crowns, and that they do not match my teeth. Can this be fixed? Can the crowns be stained or bleached? I don’t have money for new crowns.

 Frankie

Dear Frankie,

Staining or bleaching will not correct the color difference between the two crowns. And it won’t help your new porcelain crowns match the shade of your natural teeth.

Whiten Teeth before Receiving Porcelain Crowns

Ideally, if you want a bright smile, your teeth should be whitened before you receive porcelain crowns. The crowns can then be made to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth.

Achieving the Correct Color for Your Crowns

A dental crown is cemented to or bonded on your natural teeth. Removing crowns and replacing them with new crowns in the correct shade requires a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist. Experienced cosmetic dentists take several steps to ensure your crowns match your natural teeth:

Take photos of your teeth

Send photos and instructions to a dental lab to craft crowns with precise color, shape, and size

Temporarily seat the crowns to ensure they fit well and match your natural teeth

Send the crowns back to the lab if they are not an exact match

The process can take several office visits. But when you receive porcelain crowns from a cosmetic dentist, he or she will communicate with you throughout the process to ensure that you love the look and color of your restorations.

Before-and-after porcelain crowns photo of a patient's smile.
Porcelain crowns can rejuvenate your smile

You can schedule consultations with two different cosmetic dentists to discuss your options and how your new porcelain crowns can be made affordable for you.

This blog post is sponsored by Lafayette Dentists Drs. Thimmesch and Foreman.

CEREC

Will CEREC Crowns Last with Teeth Grinding?

I like the idea of CEREC crowns but I’m not sure if they are durable enough. I have worn my teeth down because I grind them at night. I have a high-stress, security clearance job that I seem to internalize. But I really don’t have a choice. I can’t talk about it to anyone outside of my co-workers and I am limited to what I can say to some of them. My dentist recommended CEREC crowns. The machines in the office look new, so I asked how long she has been doing CEREC. She said it’s been about 8 months. Is this a gimmick that she is trying to pay for at my expense or can CEREC stand up against me grinding my teeth every night? I need 4 crowns. How long will they last? Thanks. TY

TY – Chronic bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a concern for your natural teeth and any type of crowns you receive—not just CEREC. Teeth grinding can cause your jaw and facial muscles to ache. It can also lead to neck pain and headaches. And you’ve seen the damage it has done to your teeth.

A Priority over CEREC Crowns

Photo of CEREC same-day crowns digital scanner and computer, and the milling machine, available for same day crowns from Mike Malone DDS in Lafayette, LA
CEREC technology

Your first concern should be limiting the effects of teeth grinding; it will protect your teeth and your CEREC crowns. We’re surprised that your dentist hasn’t recommended a customized night guard. A night guard is comfortably worn at night to reduce bruxism and control the impact it has on your teeth. You won’t have to wear a big, uncomfortable device that prevents you from sleeping well. Today’s night guards easily fit into your mouth and are comfortable to wear. Many patients report that they sleep better while wearing them.

How Long Will Your Crowns Last?

There are several factors involved with how long your crowns will last:

  • The lifespan of a dental crown is about 15 years if you take good care of it. The same is true of a CEREC crown. Some crowns last even longer.
  • It’s important to get a custom night guard to protect your new crowns and the rest of your natural teeth. Without the protection, the pressure on your teeth can cause the crowns to crack.
  • CEREC crowns are made of porcelain. They are a durable option for protecting worn or broken teeth.

Ask your dentist about a custom night guard. If for some reason she is hesitant to fit you for one, we recommend that you get a second opinion from a dentist who has many years of experience with CEREC and dental crowns.

This post is sponsored by Mike Malone, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lafayette, LA.

Cosmetic Dentist

Can You Receive Cosmetic Dentistry If You Have Sensitive Teeth?

Photo of a middle-aged blonde woman smiling, for information on cosmetic dentistry despite sensitive teeth - from Lafayette, LA cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone.
Cosmetic dentistry is possible, even if you have sensitive teeth

Many people who have sensitive teeth are concerned about receiving cosmetic dentistry. They don’t want the treatment to affect their teeth in a way that increases sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive, should you be concerned about whether or not cosmetic dentistry is for you?

Before you receive cosmetic dental treatment of any kind—including teeth whitening, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers—your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy. If you’re experiencing sensitivity in your teeth, the cause of it will be identified first.

What Causes Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is common. There are several possible causes. The issues should be addressed before you receive cosmetic dentistry.

  • Exposed dentin – Dentin is the tissue beneath the tooth enamel. If the enamel is worn or decayed, sensitivity and pain can occur. And cold food or drinks, even cold air, can increase sensitivity. There are several factors than can cause enamel to wear away. Acidic foods and drinks, brushing your teeth too vigorously, or grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel.
  • Receding gums – Gum tissue protects tooth roots. When gums recede, the roots are exposed, and this can cause tooth sensitivity. Gum disease, genetics, or hormonal changes can cause gums to recede. Aggressive teeth brushing can also cause gum recession.
  • Trauma – Impact to your face and teeth can cause internal damage to your teeth. A tooth doesn’t have to break or crack for the pulp, or living tissue inside the tooth, to be disturbed. Irritation in a tooth can disturb the nerves and create sensitivity.
  • Teeth clenching or grinding – These habits put pressure on your teeth and can cause sensitivity and pain.

Can You Receive Cosmetic Dentistry?

After the causes of sensitivity in your teeth have been reasonably controlled, you should be able to receive cosmetic dentistry. Depending on what type of cosmetic treatment you receive, if left untreated, the sensitivity in your teeth could increase. If genetics are a factor, your dentist will take that into consideration and tailor your treatment accordingly.

How Can You Help?

  • Replace abrasive toothpaste with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.
  • Avoid aggressive brushing and use a soft bristled toothbrush.
  • Let your dentist know if you clench or grind your teeth. A custom nightguard can be made for you to wear to relax your jaw and decrease the pressure in your teeth and jaws.

Cosmetic dentistry can still be an option for getting the smile you’ve always wanted, but take care of your oral health first.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Mike Malone, D.D.S. in Lafayette, LA.