Tag Archives: Porcelain Crowns

Smile makeover without spending a fortune

I want to get a smile makeover. My problem is I can’t spend a fortune. My sister just got her smile done, but it cost her $35,000. I don’t have that kind of money. Personally, I think my sister was overcharged. She tends to want to only go to the top of the line for anything. My question is how can I find a highly qualified cosmetic dentist without spending an unreasonable amount of money? Oh, my dentist says I have a problem with grinding. I don’t know if that will affect my makeover. FYI, I don’t trust my dentist for cosmetic work. He’s a good regular dentist though.

Gail B.- New Mexico

Gail,

There are two ways to find a great cosmetic dentist. One is to go on the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD.com) website and look for someone who is accredited with them that practices in your area. There is a difference between accreditation and membership, so make sure you are looking up the right thing. Another avenue is to look on the mynewsmile.com website and see who they recommend in your state.

For a smile makeover you generally do porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Sometimes a mix of both.  Because of your grinding issue, I’m guessing the dentist you choose will recommend mostly porcelain crowns.  It is good you are not just going to your family dentist to get your work done, because you would end up out of a lot of money as well as disappointed in the results.  Not all highly qualified cosmetic dentists charge a fortune, but they won’t be cheap either. I would make a list of potential cosmetic dentists from those two sources, then call and ask them how much they charge for porcelain crowns. You’ll probably be able to find one who is both qualified and reasonable in their fees.  I hope this helps.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, Louisiana dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Broken front tooth

My daughter fell and broke off part of her front tooth. She is really embarrassed and I want to get if fixed right away, but my dentist said he can’t see her for six weeks. He told me the root of the tooth needs time to heal, so it is better to wait. Is there anything I can do to make her feel less conspicuous?

Jeanine- San Francisco

Jeanine,

There really isn’t any reason for you to wait to have her treated.  If you have the piece of the tooth the broke off then the dentist can re-attach it. If you don’t have the piece, they can fix it with dental bonding until she is old enough for a permanent porcelain crown.

Be careful not to price shop these procedures. I cannot stress enough how important it is to see an expert cosmetic dentist. You want your daughter to be comfortable with her appearance. Someone who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) will be able to create a beautiful bonding for your daughter. Be aware that being a member of the AACD and being accredited by them are two very different things. Any dentist can join the AACD, but to become accredited you have to pass a stringent examination and demonstrate your artistic ability.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Why do my teeth have small holes at the gum line?

I was eating chips and thought I cut my gum. When I looked in the mirror I noticed that a couple of my bottom front teeth had holes in them. I changed my toothpaste, been brushing three times a day, and am using Listerine twice a day however after a month my teeth seem to be getting more holes. I have not been to the dentist for two years, are these holes cavities?

Thanks, Skylar

Dear Skylar,

It sounds like your teeth are developing cavities at the gum line and that its time for you to make a dental appointment. Tooth decay at the gum line is usually caused from a diet high in citric or ascorbic acid. These types of acids are common in sodas including diet soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices. Drinking these types of liquids on a daily basis erodes the enamel making our teeth highly weak and very susceptible to tooth decay.

There is no special toothpaste or mouthwash over the counter that is going to prevent these areas of erosion from getting worse, however improving your hygiene and greatly decreasing your intake of acidic drinks will help prevent further complications. If you have a lot of erosion of the enamel your dentist may recommend you to use a prescription toothpaste that contains a higher amount of fluoride to prevent further tooth decay.  It is recommended that if you are using Listerine make sure it contains no alcohol. Mouthwashes that have alcohol tend to make the mouth dryer, therefore causing more plaque buildup, a possibility of more tooth decay, and make ones breath not so fresh.

If the areas of tooth decay are small your dentist will most likely be able to place a tooth colored filling in the area. It the decay wraps around the tooth a more permanent restoration like a porcelain crown may be recommended.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

What can be done about damage to teeth from bulimia?

I am a recovering bulimic. I’ve been pretty stable for the last two years, and have a great counselor, so I feel like I can really beat this illness. I am having this issue, though, and it seems kind of vain in light of all the other health problems I’ve been dealing with, but here it is – my teeth are an embarrassment. I’ve had bulimia for more than half my life. My front teeth are worn, and really thin and chipped. They are shorter than they should be, too.

I know this might sound like something that should be low priority, but I feel like I am finally starting to live again, and my total lack of smile is holding me back. I am not capable of smiling without my hand over my mouth. I mumble. I always look tight-lipped, because I am.

What can be done? Are the teeth too damaged for porcelain veneers? What about porcelain crowns? I have even considered just having them pulled and getting a bridge. I don’t think dental implants are an option I can afford.

Thoughts? I appreciate your help.

Patricia in Erie, PA

Dear Patricia,

Congratulations on working so hard to improve your health and well being. It is absolutely normal to want to express your new-found joy with a radiant smile.

The best recommendation is to seek the services of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns could work for you, but you want to make sure you have someone who is experienced and highly artistic do the work. Generally speaking, a cosmetic dentist will also be more sensitive to your cosmetic concerns.

Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone’s office sponsored this post.

TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry

I’ve got quite a story to tell. I hope that maybe other people can avoid making some the of mistakes I made, and save themselves a lot of pain and A LOT of money.

I have a long standing teeth grinding habit that caused me to have porcelain crowns placed on all of my teeth about 10 years ago. At the time, I went with the dentist who quoted me the best price, and I’ve paid for it ever since. The crowns were not placed like they should have been, and they have worn down over time. I also have a lot of pain when I chew, and have been told I have a “posterior crossbite”. I’ve been struggling with gum disease off and on for years because of the placement of the crowns, and they are just plain ugly.

I’ve determined that my biggest mistake was in not choosing the right professional to help me the first time around. Because of the pain in my jaw and the complexity of my case, I have consulted with a neuromuscular dentist who also has a lot of experience in cosmetic dentistry. I asked for his credentials in both, and he directed me to his website where I read about the extensive coursework he has had in treating TMJ, and saw pictures of his cosmetic work in his Smile Gallery. His prices are a little higher than those of the general dentists I have talked to, but looking at those pictures and reading about his education and awards really made me realize that he is worth every penny and then some.

We are currently working on addressing the TMJ issues that are likely at the cause of all my issues, and he has given me a phased treatment plan that I can afford. We’ll eventually replace the old crowns with new porcelain crowns, and if his Smile Gallery photos are anything to go by, my new smile is going to be stunning.

I just wanted to share my story, so that other people don’t make the same mistake I did and then pay for it for years to come. Don’t price shop for a dentist!

Lucy in Chicago

Dear Lucy,

We hear stories like yours every day, and it really speaks for itself. We hope to hear soon that your smile has joined all the others in your dentist’s smile gallery!

Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist Dr. Malone’s office sponsored this blog post.

For more information about CEREC crowns, which are dental crowns that can be done in a fraction of the time of standard porcelain crowns, see our website.

Can you get stained teeth from silver fillings?

I have two fillings that I want taken out and replaced with white fillings, both because of how they look and because of the mercury. I’ve been trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle, and a lot of the holistic magazines I read now mention removal of silver (mercury) fillings as part of reducing your “toxic load”.

Anyway, my dentist said that maybe those teeth won’t look very good when we are done, because the silver fillings might have stained my teeth? They are molars, but are visible when I laugh or talk.

Is this right? What makes the stain? That kind of freaks me out, because what if the toxins are now soaked into my teeth. I am also kind of worried about how strong these teeth will be after the procedure. About seventy percent of the teeth are filling, and my dentist said that the material in the composite is not as strong as the silver filling material (he will never call it mercury). Are these teeth going to be at risk for breaking or cracking?

Maggie in Colorado Springs

Dear Maggie,

Over the years our practice has removed many amalgam fillings and replaced them with white fillings, and we have never seen a case where they did not look significantly better. It is true that the amalgam fillings can cause some discoloration in your teeth, but it is usually very minimal, and in back teeth or molars should be barely noticeable.

The real issue at hand is that it sounds like your dentist is not comfortable with this procedure, and is kind of trying to talk you out of it. Putting white composite fillings in the back teeth is very different and more challenging than placing amalgam fillings, and if your dentist has not had training in this procedure, he may not be comfortable doing it. Most dental schools do not teach placement of composite fillings, so unless your dentist has pursued training beyond dental school, he may not be comfortable doing them, especially in the back of the mouth.

One point that should be made very clear: it is ALWAYS a bad idea to push a dentist out of his or her comfort zone. If you get the feeling that your dentist is not comfortable with a procedure you want, then it is best to seek the services of a different dentist.

One other thing–you state that more than half of the teeth in question are fillings, and in that case, we would strongly suggest porcelain crowns rather than fillings. For smaller fillings, replacing amalgam fillings with white composite fillings actually yields a stronger end result, because the composite bonds to the tooth. But removing and replacing fillings that large may well result in the cracking you are worrying about. Porcelain crowns are the safer option.

This blog post is provided as a courtesy of the dental office of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist.

My porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ugly

For more than twenty years I have had crowns on my two front teeth. They are porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, as was normally placed back in the day. They have never looked all that great, but in recent years they have really started to look terrible. There is a dark line right where the crowns meet my teeth, and it is really noticeable because  I have a really big smile.

Is there anything that can be done to get rid of that line? If I have to replace the porcelain crowns, do you think Lumineers would work for me?

I appreciate your help with this.

Mallory from New Haven, CT

 Dear Mallory,

There really is not anything that can be done to disguise that black line, which as you have pointed out is one of the major drawbacks of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. You also touched a little on the other issue with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns when used for front teeth — they don’t look very good. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are too opaque to look realistic in the front teeth.

You will need to get them replaced with porcelain crowns, and Lumineers might be an option. But the best advice I can give you is to see an experienced, artistic cosmetic dentist for this procedure. Any dentist can claim to do cosmetic dentistry, but you’ll want one who has training, experience and talent. Smile makeovers require a rare balance of artistry and science, and only a small percentage of dentists have it. Make sure you choose the right professional, and you may have a smile you love for the first time in many years.

This blog brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mike Malone, Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist.

Traumatic mouth injury treatment

About a month ago, I took a nasty shot to the mouth during a hockey game without my mouth guard in place. Five weeks later, all of my front teeth on the top and bottom are turning black. I also feel like there is something sticking out where it shouldn’t be, like maybe the root of a tooth? It is between my lip and gum, way up by my nose, just to the right of center. I don’t even know enough about dental structures to try and guess what it might be, beyond the broken off root of a tooth.

Clearly I need to get this treated, but should I start with a doctor or a dentist? What kind of treatment do you think they will suggest? I’ve been Googling, and it looks like maybe porcelain veneers, or dental implants if I am going to lose the teeth. Any way you can give me a ball park on how much this might cost? I have dental coverage, but it isn’t that great.

Thanks for your help with this.

Josh from Houston

Dear Josh,

It sounds like the nerve tissue inside the affected teeth has been killed by the trauma. If that does turn out to be the case, the usual treatment would be root canal treatment. In regards to the darkening, there is a way to bleach those teeth from the inside after the root canal treatment, but not all dentists are aware of this procedure. If they cannot be satisfactorily bleached, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns would be options, though you may want to reconsider hockey if you make that kind of investment in your smile.

You could also have cracked the roots of some or all of the affected teeth. In that scenario, those teeth could likely not be saved, and you would have to have them extracted and replaced, preferably with dental implants.

The protrusion up near your nose definitely needs to be looked at. You don’t mention that any of your teeth were displaced, so I am assuming that it is not a tooth that was driven out of place. All of this care should be done under the care of a highly skilled cosmetic dentist.

We can only offer the most general information about costs, but generally speaking root canals on front teeth would cost a few hundred dollars for each tooth. If veneers or crowns are necessary, figure on $1000 to $2000 per tooth. Dental implant costs usually exceed that per tooth.

This blog provided courtesy of Lafayette Louisiana cosemtic dentist Dr. Malone’s practice.

Do I really need to see a cosmetic dentist? What is the difference?

I was recently in an accident that fractured my one of my front teeth and the tooth next to it. They did not break off, but both were very noticeably cracked. I was out of town and had to go to an emergency dentist for a repair, and the bonding is not the right color at all. I had to have a root canal on the front tooth, and the dentist said that too will likely darken over time, and become brittle.

So I need to have some cosmetic work done. Before this accident, my smile was a real source of pride for me. My teeth have always been great, and most of them still are white and straight and beautiful. I’ve consulted my regular dentist, who says that I can get just the damaged teeth done with porcelain crowns. I’ve been reading, and it seems like to make the repair look right, I should get six or even eight crowns or porcelain veneers. I am also reading that I should consult with an accredited cosmetic dentist to do this work. Is that really necessary? I like my regular dentist, and he seems confident in doing the work, but he is not an accredited cosmetic dentist, and does not really advertise much as doing cosmetic work. I don’t want to have him stick a couple of crowns on my front teeth that look out of place. I would rather have them all done, even with the expense, than spend the rest of my life dealing with a mismatched smile.

What do you think? I want my smile back! It is one of my few claims to beauty, and I am willing to invest to get it back again. What should I do?

Thanks for your help,

Tracy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Dear Tracy,

First, consulting with a cosmetic dentist in this case is essential. You sound like you really just want to get your smile back to what it was before the accident, and a really skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to help you do that. The brief statement you made about the reading you have done indicates that you are eager to be educated about this and want to make the best decision. Experience has shown that the most important decision you make for this kind of dental care is in choosing the right dentist.

Nearly all dentists are what we call “technician” dentists. When things break, they are very good at fixing them, but may not be overly concerned with nuances of appearance. You had a beautiful smile, and you want it back again. The key to reclaiming your smile is in finding the right professional to help you do so.

Porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers may be possibly treatments, but it is also possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist could do dental bonding on the cracked tooth that is still viable. A great cosmetic dentist will get you beautiful results while leaving as much of your natural tooth structure intact as possible.

Porcelain crowns for front teeth?

I have been talking to my dentist about what to do to restore my smile. I have significant wear on my top teeth, and a gap between my two front teeth that has bothered me most of my life. Before I talked to my dentist about this, I did all kinds of research on the different kinds of available treatments, especially looking at different kinds of porcelain crowns. I really think–and my dentist confirmed this–that porcelain crowns will be the best way to fix my teeth.

The thing is, we don’t agree on what kind of porcelain crowns would be best. Both my dentist and his partner say they will only do porcelain fused to metal crowns. Everything I have read makes me believe that porcelain fused to metal crowns will not look as nice as I want them to look when we are done. Their reasoning for this is that I sometimes grind my teeth, and can’t stand wearing a night guard. They both say that the all ceramic Zirconia crowns like I want are not strong enough to last if I continue to grind my teeth. Both my dentist and his partner have impressive credentials, which is the main reason I chose them.

In your experience, do all ceramic crowns like Zirconia tend to sustain damage if used on an occasional grinder? It is not all the time, just intermittent.

I have waited a really long time to get this done, but I just can’t get excited about the porcelain fused to metal crowns. My dentist is all ready to get it done, but I think they will look fake, and I don’t want to spend that amount of money on something that is not exactly what I want.

I could really use your help on this.

Thanks,

Jerry in Indianapolis

Dear Jerry,

I think you’re going to need a second opinion. The Zirconia porcelain crowns that you mention are indeed very strong, certainly strong enough to withstand great stress. If your teeth grinding is not constant or severe, they might well work as a great option for you. An added bonus is that the all-ceramic or all-porcelain veneers can be made thinner than porcelain fused to metal crowns, and so less of your natural tooth structure has to be removed to place the crowns.

It is possible that despite the impression credentials your dentist and his partner take more of an engineering approach to restoration rather than an artistic one. It is also possible that your grinding problem is worse that you think it is. I strongly encourage you try again with the mouth guard. Teeth grinding can cause very serious, life-long issues.

In either case, if you are determined to go with the Zirconia crowns, then you would be best served to seek another dentist. It is always a bad idea to push a dentist to do something he does not want to do. For whatever reason, your dentist and his partner are not comfortable with the Zirconia crowns, and you are fortunate that they have the professional integrity to be completely honest with you about this. Insisting on a treatment plan your dentist is not comfortable with often ends badly, so if you are certain the Zirconia crowns are what you want, you’ll need to find a dentist who is comfortable placing them in your situation.