My porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ugly

Many years ago, like 20 years or so, I had porcelain fused to metal crowns placed on my front top teeth. I think they look so terrible now. You can see this dark line when I smile. It makes me feel unhappy every time I look at them. Are Lumineers an option for me?

– Sally from Virginia

Sally,

What you have described is really quite simple for an expert cosmetic dentist. Yet it is important to realize how cosmetic dentistry truly is an art form. So be sure you understand the difference between a general dentist who says that they can do cosmetic dentistry and a true cosmetic dentist.

You can have the beautiful, white smile you long for. All new ceramic crowns is the way to go. They do not have any metal in them.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist 16th Street Dental Care.

Related posts: porcelain veneers, CEREC crowns

Denture keeps falling out!

Hello,

I have worn a denture for over 35 years and I am 60 years old. My denture just won’t say in place even when I use adhesive. I have very little ridge left to support my denture and my dentist has said it could get so bad that I won’t even be able to wear it anymore. Is there anything that can be done?

-Victoria in Texas

Victoria,

Unfortunately, from what you have described you are in a difficult place. When you no longer have teeth, your body resorbs the minerals to be used in other parts of the body. Basically, your body doesn’t think the bond is needed there anymore. This is called facial collapse. When this condition gets really bad, you may not be able to keep a denture in at all.

Bone grafting can be used to build the bone back up. Make sure you do your homework when looking for a qualified dentist since this surgery is difficult.

Otherwise, there are several different options to replace your teeth. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Having a new denture placed over the newly grafted jawbone would be the simplest. But, the problem still remains that you will go through the same bone loss and over time will be in the same situation again.

Dental implants prevent facial collapse around each implant that is placed. The higher the number of dental implants you have, the more bone will be retained. This procedure is more expensive so, you may consider overdentures. This only requires two dental implants into each jaw and then a snap-on denture fits directly in place over the implants. This could be a feasible option for you. Or there are hybrid restoration where the dentures are secured to the implants to stay in place.

Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, others will be able to benefit from this information regarding facial collapse. If you had known this 25 years ago, then you may have made some different decisions regarding your dental health.

Best of luck.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.