Crown on Two Front Teeth

Question

I had veneers on two front teeth. One tooth had root canal and the tooth (dead one) broke. He put on a crown a couple of times which came loose. If problem continues, he wants to put crown on front 2 teeth with no bridge to other teeth. The dead tooth is about 1/2 size of pencil eraser I'm afraid I'll never be able to bite into anything (even something soft) again since the dead tooth is so small. Will a crown on two front teeth with no bridge hold so I can at least eat pizza or a sandwich?

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS · Answer

Really, no of this dental work ought to be coming loose. I understand that you are concerned that the one tooth is very short-it can be a factor. There is no good reason to "bridge" these teeth to anything else.

	You've done well with the photos you've enclosed. The main problem has to do with the fact that the front part of your bite does not come together very well, AND that the two top front teeth are out of alignment.

	 

	Very careful analysis of exactly how you slide or bite on your front teeth is necessary. You may need some bonding on the canine teeth (top and/or bottom ones). You need more even "disclusion" so that all of the sliding or biting forces aren't all on these two teeth. In some situations it means veneering more teeth to even out the bite or sometimes braces, orthodontics or Invisalign to make your bite slide better.

	 

	One other thought- I know you want to be able to chew well on your front teeth. I would think about it this way: you ought to be able to eat some things well, but I would always be careful of biting really crunchy or really hard foods with these teeth. They've been through a lot and really can tolerate more damage.

	Best wishes-I bet your dentist will get everything back in great shape for you. Thanks, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

Martin Frankel, DDS · Answer

As long as there is about 2 millimeters of tooth showing a crown should be successful.  It probably needs to be built up with a post and core restoration first.

	The other element to consider for long term success is the force exerted on the crowns due to function (chewing and biting) and stresses from clenching and grinding your teeth.  It is very important that the bite be adjusted properly to minimize stresses placed on the crowns, and if you clench and/or grind your teeth you may need to wear a nightguard or other type of oral appliance to control damaging forces.

Mitchell A. Josephs, DDS · Answer

As long as a sufficient amount of tooth stuctre is still left above the gumline, you should be able to do two single crowns with a post and core in the tooth that had the root canal.

Greg Lutke, DDS · Answer

I understand the history with you case.  The lack of success has led you to question the strength of crowns - and rightly so.

	The new materials in dentistry for full crowns is far stronger than just a couple of years ago.  The bonding technique to the tooth below has also been vastly strengthened.  You most likely will not need any bridge work at all.  Perhaps an implant if the remaining tooth is too weakened.  Every case is unique but the dental materials are more than strong enough to solve your problem.

	You should find great success with two crowns on your front teeth - and yes, you should be able to eat all the foods you choose.

Fred Peck, DDS · Answer

I would suggest that each front tooth be an individual crown if no bridge is done. A dental implant may be a good option for you. I would not want to remove the veneer and take away more tooth structure to place a crown. The implant can match the veneer great at the end of treatment. Good luck with your decision.

Crown on Two Front Teeth

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Answer: You can be confident in crown strength

Answer: You can be confident in crown strength

Answer: Crowns on 2 front teeth

Answer: Crowns on 2 front teeth

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Crown on Two Front Teeth

Answers (6)

Answer: You can be confident in crown strength

Answer: You can be confident in crown strength

Answer: Crowns on 2 front teeth

Answer: Crowns on 2 front teeth

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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.