Can a Tooth/crown Be Excluded when Making a Mold?

Question

I have crowns on my front teeth (crowns are 15 yrs old). One of the crowns has a small nick off the front face (invisible to anyone but myself and my dentist). I'm concerned that when they make molds (for a teeth whitening - my crowns are now a bit lighter than the surrounding teeth) that the crown will shear at that spot as the nick is inset and about a quarter of way from the bottom. I don't want to replace my crowns. Is there any way to exclude my crowns when making a mold?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

Do not be concerned!  There is not an impression material on the market with the ability to fracture or break a crown.  You need to include these teeth in the impression to make sure that you get a tight fit with your bleaching tray.  This way you achieve  a nice result with your bleaching.  You may fracture the crown further one day with normal chewing and if this happens the crown would need to be replaced.  Go bleach your teeth and do not worry.

Elizabeth Jahanian, DDS · Answer

Yes, teeth can easily be blocked out of a custom-made tray.  When a tooth is blocked out, the whitening gel will not flow onto that tooth.  This will be done for teeth with crowns or restorations that can not be whitened.  Best, Dr. Elizabeth Jahanian

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

They cant really leave out the crowns from the molds cuz then the trays would not stay in very well. Have the trays made and you'll see that they dont affect the crowns at all..

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

The impression material used to make whitening trays is not very stiff at all. It is highly unlikely that it will further damage your crown.  You exert far more stress on it by everyday chewing and biting. If you are really worried, you can ask you dentist to use some wax or other material to "block-out" the chipped area so the impression material does not "catch" there. But I really think this is not needed.

	BTW, this chip may be repairable if you wanted by using porcelain etchant and bonding material. This may hold up well since it is not in a direct load bearing area. However if its not noticeable I would leave it alone or just polish it.

	Hope this helps

	Dr. T

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

I have never had a crown chip or break in 12 years of practicing dentistry when taking an impression so I would not really worry about that.  Keep in mind that normal eating and functioning may chip the tooth further thus accelerating the need to have the crowns replaced

Can a Tooth/crown Be Excluded when Making a Mold?

Answers (8)

Answer: Impressions with existing crowns -for whitening trays

Answer: Impressions with existing crowns -for whitening trays

Answer: Chipping a tooth when taking an impression

Answer: Chipping a tooth when taking an impression

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Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

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Can a Tooth/crown Be Excluded when Making a Mold?

Answers (8)

Answer: Impressions with existing crowns -for whitening trays

Answer: Impressions with existing crowns -for whitening trays

Answer: Chipping a tooth when taking an impression

Answer: Chipping a tooth when taking an impression

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

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