I need an expert dentist to help fix my phonics disturbed by my recent anterior crowns and veneers. How can I find one? (Photo)

Question

Recently I had 4 crowns and 2 veneers on my upper front teeth. Ever since my first set of temps my speech has been off. "Th" sounds are impossible without stragegic pausing and odd mouth movements. "S" sounds are difficult at times too. I am not happy with how my teeth have turned out. They seem to stick out way more than before. Also, some have a few weird angles and they seem shorter than my natural teeth. I need a new dentist, so I can smile again :(

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

I looked at the pictures that you sent and there are several cosmetic changes I would have made in your case.First, make sure that whenever cosmetic dentistry is done you have a diagnostic wax-up and a trial of the proposed ceramic work to avoid the type of problems your experiencing.  I would suggest finding a Neuromuscular Dentist (ICCMO.org) if possible but a dentist who understands dentures well is also usually good at working with phonetics.The front four teeth are all short and have a "Chicklet" look to them.  Gingival recontouring would have given them a more pleasing shape and reduced the gingival show when smiling.You have a very narrow maxilla (upper jaw) and ideally a DNA Appliance could be used to widen the maxilla and give you a full wide smile, and eliminate the dark buccal corridors (area between back teeth and cheeks)The widening of the maxilla will allow the lower jaw to move to a healthier position as well.Do you get TMJoint clicking or chronic Headaches, Migraines or Sinus pain?  Do you snore, wake with morning headaches or perpetually feel like you have not slept well?If you do it could be caused by your jaw structure.I hope that a model exists of your teeth prior to your crowns and veneers because that could help to determine the cause of phonetic issues.  In any case work with your provisionals before moving forward to new crowns.  It is more difficult to correct the current ones.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOThinkBetterLife.com

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

Sometimes when there are major changes in the front there can be some adjustment to fine tune your speech.  The area that I notice the most is when you are doing a picture looking up at your teeth from below your chin.  There is a lot of free space between your lower teeth and upper teeth and this will effect how the air passes through your teeth, in particular with "S" type sounds.  The "Th" sounds are typically made by the tongue on the back of the front upper teeth.  The shape of the back portion of the crowns and distance away from the tongue can cause difficulty with the "Th" sound.I would alert your dentist of your difficulty sounds, he will probably advise you to give it a little time to see if you are able to adapt.  However, if this proves impossible then you will most likely need to look into having these redone to a least normalize the free space between you upper and lower front teeth.

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

I am so sorry to see a case like this.  Your anterior (front) teeth are protruding too much.  It is most likely difficult for your to my the "S" sound because that sound relies on your top teeth and bottom teeth coming together, which is probably difficult, if not impossible for you to do.  The "TH" sound relies on contact with your tongue and your upper teeth at the correct position.  You need to have those restorations removed and have new ones placed that are much flatter, and tucked in a little.  I agree with you that they need to be slightly longer as well.  The restorations also look very bulky, thick, opaque, and unnatural.  I recommended researching good cosmetic dentists prior to having any work completed. dryazdan.com

I need an expert dentist to help fix my phonics disturbed by my recent anterior crowns and veneers. How can I find one? (Photo)

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I need an expert dentist to help fix my phonics disturbed by my recent anterior crowns and veneers. How can I find one? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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