What’s Causing the Pressure?
-It’s possible that the crown and veneer were placed too tightly together, creating excess pressure in the contact area (where the teeth meet). This can irritate the surrounding gum and bone and cause the sensation you’re describing.
-The difficulty flossing also suggests the contact point may be too tight or uneven.
What Can Be Done?
-Adjust the Contact Area
Your dentist can use a tool called a dental strip or fine polishing instruments to carefully adjust the contact area between the crown and veneer. This reduces the pressure without compromising the fit.
The goal is to allow just enough space for the floss to glide smoothly while keeping the teeth stable.
-Check Your Bite (Occlusion)
Sometimes, if your teeth don’t meet evenly when you bite or clench, it can create extra pressure in certain areas. Your dentist can adjust the way your teeth come together to relieve this.
-Relieve Gum Irritation
If the tight contact has caused inflammation, your dentist may clean the area and recommend a medicated rinse or gel to soothe it.
Tools to Relieve Pressure at Home
While it’s best for a dentist to make adjustments, interproximal brushes or soft floss threaders can sometimes help clean and slightly relieve tightness between teeth temporarily.
However, this won’t fix the root issue—it’s important to get professional help for a long-term solution.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
If your current dentist isn’t providing a solution, consider seeking a second opinion. Long-term pressure like this can lead to gum inflammation or even bone irritation. A small adjustment can make a big difference in your comfort.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about how things will turn out, especially with such a big change like an All-on-4 procedure! Let me break it down and reassure you:
1. Why do the bottom temps look big and yellow?
Temporary teeth (temps) are made to protect your implants and gums as they heal. They aren’t the final product and are often bulkier and less polished than the permanent ones.
The size helps ensure strength and stability while your implants integrate with your bone.
The yellowish color is likely due to the material used for the temps, which is different from the permanent teeth material.
2. Will the permanent teeth be different?
Yes! Permanent teeth will look more natural, fit better, and be shaped and colored according to your preferences. Temps are not a reflection of what your final smile will look like.
3. What is a lab consult and 3D mockup?
A lab consult is where you’ll work with the dental team (and sometimes the lab technician) to discuss the color, shape, and style of your final teeth.
A 3D mockup is like a preview of your permanent teeth. They use advanced imaging to show you what your smile will look like, and you’ll have input to make sure it meets your expectations.
4. What should you do if you’re unhappy with the temps?
Don’t be afraid to tell your dentist how you feel! They want you to be happy with the result, and this is a temporary phase.
Share your concerns now so they can address them during the planning for your permanent teeth.
Your dentist has a plan in place to ensure your final smile looks great and feels comfortable. It’s okay to speak up—this is your smile, and you deserve to love it!
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your facial appearance and jaw after wisdom tooth extraction. However, replacing wisdom teeth with implants is generally not recommended or necessary. Here’s why:
Why Implants Aren’t Usually Done for Wisdom Teeth:
Function: Wisdom teeth don’t play a major role in chewing, biting, or supporting your jaw structure. Adding implants in these areas wouldn’t improve function or aesthetics significantly.
Space and Position: The area where your wisdom teeth were removed often doesn’t have enough bone or space for implants because they were located so far back in the jaw. Placing implants in these areas could also cause issues with your bite or jaw alignment.
Facial Appearance: The changes you’re noticing (like flatter cheekbones or a smaller jaw) are unlikely to be directly related to the removal of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth don’t typically provide structural support to your face or jaw. What you’re experiencing might be due to other factors, like muscle tension, natural facial asymmetry, or how your body has adapted post-surgery.
Dr. Miller Vieira Paula
It’s understandable to feel concerned when your veneers don’t look the way you expected after cementing. Here’s a breakdown of what could have happened and your options:
What Might Have Happened:
Placement Adjustment During Cementing: Veneers are bonded individually, and slight misalignments can happen if they’re not positioned perfectly during the cementing process. Even a tiny shift can affect the overall look, especially with the front teeth.
Perception Change: The lighting or angles in photos before cementing versus what you see in the mirror can sometimes make small differences appear more noticeable. However, if the bottom edges were aligned before cementing and not after, it’s possible there was a placement issue.
Gum or Tooth Sensitivity Post-Treatment: Sometimes, swelling in the gums can temporarily make teeth look different, but this usually resolves in a few days.
Is It Fixable?
Yes, veneers can often be adjusted or even redone if needed:
Minor Adjustments: If the issue is slight, your dentist may be able to polish or reshape the veneer to improve the alignment.
Replacement: If the veneer was truly placed incorrectly, it may need to be removed and replaced. While this is more involved, it’s entirely possible to fix.
What You Can Do:
Express Your Concerns: Share what you’ve noticed with your dentist, especially the differences in the photos. A good dentist will want to address your concerns and make sure you’re happy with your smile.
Ask for an Evaluation: Your dentist can recheck the veneers to ensure they’re placed correctly and aligned with your bite. They might take new photos or X-rays for a closer look.
Consider a Second Opinion: If you’re still unsure or not satisfied, a cosmetic dentist can provide a second opinion to confirm whether adjustments are needed.
It’s important to feel confident in your smile, so don’t hesitate to communicate your concerns with your dentist. Fixing this issue, if necessary, is absolutely possible!
Dr. Miller Vieira Paula