Can the sides of a crown be filed down after it's been permanently seated? (photos)

Question

I got a new zirconia crown on my front tooth two weeks ago. It seems wider than the other front tooth and my teeth are (when I floss) closer together. Everyone I've asked says it looks fine. I live in Korea but I'm moving back to the U.S. in a week. I don't have time to get it redone by the same dentist; I'd have to get it redone in the states. Can I get the sides of the crown altered while it's seated, or is a whole new crown my only option? My concerns are appearance and teeth shifting.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Just looking at your picture, I see that the shade is a little off and the tooth does look wider.  It is possible to have this crown adjusted, while seated.  I would recommend going to a dentist in the States for an adjustment of that crown.  If you are not satisfied with the adjustment, I would work on finding a good cosmetic dentist with excellent before and after photos to redo that crown perfectly.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have
more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDO Fallon, Illinois and St. Louis, MO

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

There are a few simple things that could be done to recontour the crown, which could make it look more narrow.  This may easily satisfy and address your concerns, but if not a new crown would be needed to place it in the correct proportion to the adjacent tooth.

Neville Richter, DDS · Answer

There are a few things wrong with your smile has seen in this picture. Your new crown does not have the same color. It also is wider than the other front tooth as you've already noticed. It also seems to me it's slightly longer than the other tooth.my opinion is:1. Both front teeth need tomatch each other in size,shape,and color. So your existing tooth may need to be made a little bit wider and your new crown needs to be made slightly narrower so they both are a mirror image of each other.2.I don't think the zirconia is a good choice for a front tooth. Yes it is strong, however the qualities of a tooth namely translucence, reflection, and refraction are very,very,very difficult to obtain in zirconia.3.The crown appears bulky which means that it was probably not reduced enough in size by the doctor. This is a critical aspect of tooth preparation within the smile zone.it's quite possible that your doctor is not experienced enough in to see the problems in preparation for smile design. You may ultimately need to find a more experienced doctor to fix this problem.

Barry Jason, DDS · Answer

If you need to be sure have a dentist measure the width of both teeth with a millimeter caliper.  Within one tenth of a millimeter he/she can tell you if they are both the same width.  If they are...then relax.  If not wait until you are in the US to make the necessary alterations.  It is not always possible to reduce the thickness depending on where it needs to be reduced and how much.  Welcome to the USA.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

there are some solutions, even when you the crown set , to make it look the same as the other,and this can make the tooth look really alike. if the options do not really satisfy you, you will definitely will need to re do again a new crown.

Can the sides of a crown be filed down after it's been permanently seated? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is a new crown too wide?

Answer: Is a new crown too wide?

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Can the sides of a crown be filed down after it's been permanently seated? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is a new crown too wide?

Answer: Is a new crown too wide?

Answer: Solution

Answer: Solution

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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.