Can bad crowns be fixed right way? (photos)

Question

Will talk to dentist this week, but seeking 2nd opinions. I just had 6 old crowns replaced, after 1 broke and dentist rec'd we redo all 6 to make a straight line. After I got home I realized the new crowns are way too big for my mouth, and look like a slab compared to previous crowns which formed a curve in line with my smile. Also the color is an unnatural white, and there are now large gaps at the gumline between the crowns where food is lodging. Will getting them replaced cause further damage to bone and tooth? Opinions on photos?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Depending on what you don't like, it may be too late.  After being bonded in place, we can remove porcelain (grind the edges) but we can't put it back (make them longer).  If you simply don't like the length, they can probably be fixed.

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS · Answer

Getting a great result that you are happy with, as well as a final result in line with what you expected are critical with any cosmetic dentistry.You've had a breakdown of communication with your dentist (or he has with you). IF these are the temporaries, then make a short, concise list of exactly what your concerns are. Then meet with the dentist BEFORE anything else permanent happens.IF these are already the permanent ones, then there are no easy choices. I see a lot of patients on this forum get concerned about further damage. While thats possible to a small degree, if you just hate these crowns, you'll have to have them replaced.If these are the final ones, then look for the best cosmetic dentist you can find and go through your list of concerns. After you give your concerns, then listen to what he has to say about what should be done. Really make sure that you have answers you are confident with, before starting anything new.Also, you'll probably find that it will be more expensive to fix these than what you paid originally.This can be a really frustrating spot to be in. But with the right help, you can wind up with a great final result!

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

One thing that most cosmetic dentists do is allow the patient to preview the crowns in their mouth and ask for acceptance and permission to permanently bond/cement the new crowns into place.  In our practice, not only do we do that, we actually have our patients sign a consent form approving of the crowns.  The point being, it always much better to address any changes in the crowns or veneers before cementing them.  And this happens quite often to many dentists, where the patient wants some changes made, either length, color, thickness, shape, so the dentist will send the crowns back to the lab and put the temporary crowns back on again while the changes are being made.  This avoids more challenging ways of making the corrections, drilling the crowns off, taking new impressions, etc.I strongly suggest that you and your dentist have this conversation before your new crowns are permanently cemented into place, to prevent you from being dissatisfied again with the new replacement crowns.  Make sure he understands the color you want your new crowns to be.Can they be fixed right away, meaning redone?  Yes, but another issue is that every time a crown is drilled off it is almost unavoidable to have to remove a tiny bit more of the underlying tooth.  Case in point, if you have a crown replaced five or six times in your lifetime, it is more likely that at some point you might end up needing a root canal on the tooth.  It's not the end of the world needing a root canal, just something that is preferable to avoid if possible.I advise you go to the web link below, and familiarize yourself with the approval process than we, along with many other cosmetic dentists, use.  It's called the "trial smile" and is a great aid in preventing problems of dissatisfaction that your are having.

Can bad crowns be fixed right way? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can bad crowns be fixed right way? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.