How long have porcelain crowns been around? I need crowns on both front center teeth and I have been to 3 different dentists and none of them can get the crowns right. The crowns are too big, too white, too thick, or too wide, or there is some other problem with them. It started with my dentist who just sounded like the whole thing would be a breeze. He has done crowns on front teeth before, although I don’t know how they looked on the patient. We went through several mock-ups and temps, but he just couldn’t get it right. So after I kept complaining, he referred me to a colleague who is a “cosmetic dentist” and she only slightly did a better job. So I went round and round with her and still got pasty white buck teeth crowns which I refused to let her cement on. After that I decided to find a dentist on my own and asked for recommendations from people in the office where I work. I got several recommendations and picked a dentist. We are in the mockup phase and the teeth look bad—again. So I’m done. But I can’t really be done can I, because I still need new crowns?! Is it nearly impossible to get crowns on front teeth that look good? I am totally frustrated. Any suggestions you have or a recommendation of a dentist would be great. Thanks. Tensie
Tensie – We understand your frustration and concern. When you smile, your front teeth are what others’ eyes focus on first. They need to look natural.
Placing beautiful, natural-looking crowns on front teeth is a challenge. It requires the skill of an artistic cosmetic dentist. The artistic dentist’s concerns are quality, looks, symmetry, and harmony. This means that the dental crowns you receive will match the characteristics of your surrounding teeth, fit well, look great, and look like they are your natural teeth. Only an artist can accomplish all of that.
It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations of a cosmetic dentist from friends and family members, but you also have to do a little homework. Is the dentist accredited? If not, has he or she received any recognition or awards for cosmetic dentistry? Does the dentist continue to participate in ongoing training? Does the dentist have a physical catalog or online gallery of before-and-after pictures for you to review?
Have consultations with two or three cosmetic dentists before you choose your next provider. Take the time to ask questions—and ask to see photos—before you make a final decision. With a little more time and careful research, you will find a dentist to give you beautiful crowns on your front teeth.
This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.