Tag Archives: dental crowns

Teeth whitening

Are Ceramic Crowns a Metal-Free Option for Me?

I have three porcelain on metal crowns, but I want to get ceramic crowns instead. After successful cancer surgery last month, I want to reduce as many risks as possible and treat myself to new crowns. I read online that crowns contain metal ions. Should I be concerned? Also, I want my teeth whitened before the crowns because they are yellow from 30 years of smoking. I quit smoking when I got a cancer diagnosis, so whitening my teeth will make me feel more confident. Are ceramic crowns the way to go to reduce my metal exposure? Joshua

Joshua,

Although all-ceramic crowns do not contain metal known to provoke reactions, they have metal ions.

Metal Ions

Metal ions are essential for human, animal, and plant life. These ions are in the human body:

  • Calcium
  • Cobalt
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Potassium
  • Zinc

Lithium

Lithium is in the sodium family. The ceramic lithium disilicate is in strong ceramic dental crowns, including e.max crowns.

Zirconium

Zirconia crowns are of high strength. Dental ceramists use zirconia to build dental bridges that are so strong they do not need a metal framework.

Advanced cosmetic dentists understand the types of ceramics available for dental crowns and will work with you to find a ceramic that matches your needs.

The condition of your teeth and the location of your crowns affects the type of ceramic that will look natural and be durable. Look for an experienced cosmetic dentist who understands which ceramics are best for front and back teeth for aesthetics and durability.

Teeth Bleaching

Ask your cosmetic dentist which brands they use and research the contents. Your dentist will work with you to ensure your metal-free crowns match your whitened teeth.

Best wishes for your healthier smile with new crowns.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

I Wanted BL4 Shade Crowns, But My Dentist Declined

My eight upper front teeth have old crowns that I got in 2004. I am happy that the crowns lasted so long, but they need an update. My previous dentist retired six years ago. My current dentist recommended a B1 shade, although I wanted lighter crowns. She made my temporary crowns in the B1 shade anyway because she thought I would like them when I saw them. The crowns do not look any whiter than my old ones.

My dentist said a brighter shade would make the post in my left front tooth show through. She also says that she will not be able to get my lower teeth as light as B1 crowns when she does teeth whitening. Would BL4 work without showing the post? My dentist wants me to decide, and I feel pressured. Thank you. Anastasia from IL

Anastasia,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Lacy’s office. We are concerned about your dentist’s approach to cosmetic dentistry and your preferences.

Are BL4 Crowns Too White for a Tooth with a Post?

Although your dentist says BL4 crowns are too white for a tooth with a post, she is confusing crown color with translucence. Making a crown whiter does not increase translucency. If the tooth post does not show through with B1, it will not show through with BL4 or super white crowns.

Why Is Your Dentist Insisting on Her Preferences?

When you get a smile makeover, an artistic cosmetic dentist will ask about your preferences for tooth shape, color, size, and other characteristics. If your dentist continues to insist on her preference, ask how much experience she has with crowns in bleached shades. Ask to see pictures of her patients who had a complete smile makeover with crowns in whiter shades.

After you see pictures of her work, if you feel confident that she can complete the dental crowns you describe, tell her the color you want, and ask if she agrees. When your crowns are ready, ask your dentist to use a try-in paste to ensure you are happy with the results. Only allow your dentist to cement or bond the crowns if you are happy and have no reservations about the results.

Getting a Second Opinion

If your dentist cannot meet your requests, we recommend scheduling consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists. Experienced cosmetic dentists will readily explain how they achieve the crown shade you want with natural-looking translucence. They will also explain why they would complete teeth whitening before ordering dental crowns from the lab.

This post is sponsored by Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Crowns on My Front Teeth Are the Wrong Shape

A dentist placed four zirconia crowns on my left central incisor back and the three teeth behind it. I got the crowns from the dentist because his price was $200 cheaper per crown than the other estimates. The crowns do not match the shape of my natural teeth, and they do not look natural at all. I am anxious about dental appointments anyway, and the thought of getting this work redone scares me. Could another dentist reshape these crowns to match my teeth? Thank you. Andra from GA

Andra,

Thank you for your question. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Getting natural-looking results on crowns for front teeth is challenging, and zirconia crowns are even more difficult.

Challenges with Zirconia Crowns for Front Teeth

Some dentists with advanced cosmetic dentistry training understand how to make zirconia crowns look natural on front teeth. A cosmetic dentist can produce impressive results knowing these principles:

  • Dental labs make zirconia crowns from ceramic blocks – Dental labs mill mono-color zirconia blocks to shape them to fit over damaged natural teeth. The challenges are that a natural tooth varies in shade and translucence and achieving the right tooth shape with crowns takes a skilled dental ceramist.
  • Porcelain layers can make zirconia look natural – A ceramist must bake porcelain onto the surface and manipulate the color to match your natural teeth.

Can a Dentist Reshape Your Crowns?

Unfortunately, you will need new crowns because a dentist cannot reshape the existing ones. Ask your dentist for copies of your dental records and x-rays. Find an advanced cosmetic dentist for a consultation and exam to discuss how to correct your teeth.

Photo of female patient sitting and relaxing in a dental chair, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ask your dentist about sedation options

After taking pictures and a mold of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can create temporary crowns that match the characteristics of your natural teeth. If you approve the temporary crowns, your dentist will collaborate with a dental ceramist to duplicate them in high-quality ceramic. Speak with the dentist about your anxiety and sedation options to help you relax.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Affordable Dentistry

How to get a refund after paying the dentist upfront

Two years ago, I found an affordable cosmetic dentist to do some extensive work for me. The treatment was going to take about 18 months. About seven months in, I realized that the dentist didn’t know how to make crowns or balance my bite, so I stopped treatment and asked for a refund. I paid for the service through Care Credit®. The dentist hasn’t refunded me yet. Does the dentist have the money, or does Care Credit, and what should I do to get a refund? Zaida from TX

Zaida,

After you sign the contract, Care Credit deducts fees from the total and pays the remainder to the dentist upfront. If the dentist didn’t complete your work, he must refund the balance from his funds.

How to Get a Refund from Your Dentist

You have several options to get a refund from your dentist, depending on the conversations you’ve already had with the dental office. You can also consider what you know about your dentist and his ethics.

  • Threaten to leave negative online reviews – If your dentist has mainly positive online reviews, he might be concerned about negative ones.
  • Complain to the state dental board – Contact the dentist’s office and let them know you will file a complaint. They might be willing to pay you promptly.
  • Contact a consumer rights attorney – A single phone call from a consumer rights attorney might be all that’s needed to get your dentist to see that you’re serious about a refund.

While you’re settling the issue with your dentist, find two advanced cosmetic dentists and schedule consultations with them. Let them examine your dental records and x-rays and examine your teeth. Don’t mention the difficulty you’re having with your current dentist.

During the consultation, you can get treatment options from each dentist and find out how much time and expense are needed to restore your smile completely. Payment plans are still an affordable way to get the dental care you need, and Care Credit is a reliable source.

Before-and-after photos of porcelain crowns, which are available from Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
An affordable crown should still look and feel natural

Miranda Lacy, DDS, an affordable female dentist in Plano, TX, sponsors this post.