Tag Archives: cerec crowns

Cosmetic Dentist

What’s a Better Cosmetic Procedure: Crowns or Veneers?

I want to improve my smile. I went to my dentist to discuss getting porcelain veneers. He said they’re not as good as everyone makes out and I’d get a better smile with porcelain crowns. I’m a little worried about that idea because I’d lose so much tooth structure. But, if they’re better I guess I should go for it. What do you think?

Emma T.

Dear Emma,

A gorgeous smile created by cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone
A gorgeous smile created by cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone

If you want a gorgeous smile, what matters more than the material is the cosmetic dentist you have do the procedure. However, that being said, I can tell you right now your dentist isn’t the right one because of the material he’s trying to talk you into.

Porcelain veneers are as good as they say…when the right dentist does it. Your dentist is probably suggesting crowns because he doesn’t have enough experience with porcelain veneers. He doesn’t want to admit that so he suggests a procedure he is good with, porcelain crowns. But, you’re right to be concerned. Why would you want to grind down perfectly healthy tooth structure? Porcelain veneers don’t do that. They only require mild tooth preparation.

How Do You Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

The easiest way to choose a cosmetic dentist is through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). They have an accreditation program. Dentists who reach accreditation level are among the top cosmetic dentists in the world. They have to pass stringent oral and written exams as well as demonstrate their artistic abilities and quite a few cases they’ve done on patients. They’ll certainly give you a gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

What if there’s not an accredited dentist near you? Not having someone who’s reached accreditation level in your area doesn’t mean you can find a highly skilled cosmetic dentist. Some dentists are in the process are obtaining accreditation but already give gorgeous smiles. I’d check the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend highly skilled and artistic cosmetic dentists only some of which have already passed the accreditation exams.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Cosmetic Dentist

Dentist Wants Me to Mortgage My House to Fix ONE Crown

I’m in a quandary. My entire top arch is made up of crowns. Don’t ask. Long story. They’re about ten years old. I noticed one of the very front crowns is wiggly. I went to see a dentist. He said the crown needs to be replaced, but in order to get the new crown to match, they’d have to all be replaced. Do you realize how many crowns that is? In order to match one crown, I’d have to practically mortgage my house. What the heck? I was never told they’d all have to be replaced if one went bad when I first got them. Is there any other option? I don’t want to go so far in debt, but it’s a front tooth so I do want it to match. Help me.

Kiera E.

Kiera,

This is just a guess, but I can pretty much guarantee it’s a correct one. Your dentist is a decent family dentist, but not one who has excellent cosmetic skills. A good cosmetic dentist can match a single crown to the rest of your teeth. This one can’t, so instead, he wants you to spend a small fortune replacing all of them so he can make them all exactly the same.

You need a different dentist. An expert cosmetic dentist. It’s hard for patients to know which dentists are skilled and artistic with cosmetics and which aren’t. One of the reasons for that is there isn’t actually a recognized specialty from the ADA in cosmetic dentistry, so any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist no matter how unskilled they are.

Fortunately, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry realized how difficult this is for patients. They started an accreditation program for dentists so there would be some way to distinguish those dentists who put the effort into learning the skills and artistry required to create beautiful smiles.

In your case, instead of mortgaging your house, I’d find an AACD accredited dentist and have them match your single crown to the rest of your teeth. You can still go to your regular dentist for other things if you want, but I’m concerned that he cares more about saving his “reputation” than how much money he costs you.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Uncategorized

Is It Really Worth It to Go to The Dentist When the Economy is so Bad?

The economy where we live is really bad. My husband’s been out of work for two years now.  We’re trying to save money anywhere we can. In a bad economy, is it really necessary to go to the dentist twice a year?

Laura L. – Miami

Laura,

I completely understand the dilemma you’re in. The economy in Louisiana has been hit hard. We’re watching people lose homes they’ve lived in for years.

You’re asking if it’s OK to cut back to one check-up a year. I’m going to give you a very non-committal answer. It really depends. Before you roll your eyes, I’ll explain further.

Some people have naturally healthy teeth. They go their whole lives without a cavity. Feel free to hate those people as much as I hate people with a high metabolism.  If you’re one of the people with naturally healthy teeth that never has any issue, then temporarily cutting back to once a year, may not do any harm.

But, if you’re one of the people with a normal mouth, it’s a gamble. IF you don’t go in regularly, you risk costing yourself a lot more money. Regular check-ups can prevent cavities. It can also catch them early enough where you might only need a tiny filling. Put it off, you’ll end up paying for a root canal and dental crown.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

CEREC

Crown won’t stay on

My husband got a crown, but it has come off three times.  Our dentist cements it on again, but it then it comes back off a couple of days later.  Is it because we got him a CEREC crown that this is happening?  My dentist said there is nothing else they can do for him.

Jennine- Boston

Jennine,

If a dental crown is bonded on correctly, they don’t fall off. It doesn’t matter what kind of crown it is.  The fact that it is a CEREC crown, makes it less likely that the crown will fall off, because a computer mills those, making them more accurately structured.

The problem likely lies with the shape of the tooth preparation. If the preparation is too tapered, it’s hard to keep the crown on. I guess it is also possible that he is using the wrong kind of bonding agent, but either way his work is grossly incompetent. Get to a different dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist.