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I Expected a Gold Dental Crown, but My Dentist Ordered a Cheap Version

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist and I agreed on a gold crown for my upper left premolar. Before my dentist placed the crown, I asked about its contents because it didn’t look like it was mostly gold. My dentist said he would order a certificate and let me know. Last week, I went to the dental office to get a copy of the certificate. The crown is only 2% gold. This is the content list:

35% Palladium

30% Indium

30% Silver

3% Zinc

2% Gold

I feel tricked and believe I am entitled to a refund. Before I talk to my dentist about this, I want to know if I should be concerned about palladium and indium? Thanks. Priscila from Los Angeles

Priscila,

Palladium is quite hard, so manufacturers add indium and silver to make it more adaptable to the tooth structure. Indium is often found in dental crown materials, comprising less than 5%.

In your crown, the higher indium content likely serves to soften the alloy while reducing the gold percentage, making it less expensive than a gold crown with a higher gold percentage.

Gold is ideal for crowns because:

  • It never corrodes.
  • Its softness allows a precise, burnished fit that seals the crown’s edge and protects against decay.

Should You Be Concerned About a Palladium Allergy?

Copy of an IdentAlloy certificate for a high noble dental crown

IdentAlloy certificate for a high noble dental crown

Although palladium occasionally raises questions, there is no credible documentation of allergic reactions for dental crowns. It is widely used in crown alloys without reported toxicity.

If you were reacting to this alloy, your gums would likely be inflamed at the crown’s margin. However, you requested a gold crown, yet your dentist appears to have chosen this alloy for its low cost rather than its composition. The law requires an Identalloy certificate with each crown, and the dentist must keep it in your chart. The fact that it appeared only after your inquiry suggests either oversight or avoidance.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

After 17 Years, My Crown Color Still Isn’t Right

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In August 2008, I had a root canal done on my top left front tooth. Since then, I’ve had three different crowns—two with metal backing and the most recent one from 2023 made of zirconia. None of the crown colors were precise, but the last one is so noticeable because my tooth has darkened even more. My dentist said zirconia was the most durable option for a front tooth crown

When the zirconia crown was done, the dentist also recommended a veneer on the tooth behind it because my previous dentist had the crown tooth made wider to close a gap. I was hesitant about getting a veneer, but I agreed because I thought my smile would look better with it.

The tooth under my crown has darkened more, so even with the crown, the tooth looks gray. The veneer is a different shade from the crown and my other teeth. My dentist added something inside the crown to mask the darkness, but it hasn’t helped much.

I am tired of dental appointments and spending money for results that look horrible. Is my case unusual, or should I insist on redoing my dental work? Thanks. Edwin from MD

Edwin,

We’re sorry about the inconvenience and expense of trying to achieve a crown color that harmonizes with your surrounding teeth.

Although zirconia crowns are stronger than crowns made of other materials, they are not the most natural looking. A dental ceramist or cosmetic dentist typically layers porcelain over the zirconia to add depth and translucency.

What Is the Solution for a Dark Tooth Beneath a Crown?

Managing a dark tooth beneath a crown requires teamwork between the cosmetic dentist and ceramist. The dentist communicates the intended final color and provides details and photos of the tooth’s underlying shade.

A single dental crown

A skilled cosmetic dentist and ceramist produce natural-looking crowns.

Masking the darkness effectively may require a dentist or ceramist to apply opaquer to the tooth before the crown is fabricated. Overuse of opaquer can result in an unnaturally bright tooth with no subtle variation. The best technique is to layer opaquer within the crown and apply translucent porcelain on top to recreate a lifelike effect.

Why Look for an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist?

Skilled cosmetic dentists intentionally partner with master ceramists to ensure that crowns on dark teeth look natural.

Your dentist’s recommendation of a veneer for the adjacent front tooth was better than suggesting a crown, which would have been more invasive. Still, blending the color of a porcelain veneer with a crown is complex. Consult an accredited cosmetic dentist with advanced knowledge of color-matching and layering techniques.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Finley and his team work to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

Why Are My New Dental Crowns Turning Yellow?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In early July, I received six porcelain crowns on my upper front teeth. I picked shade BL1 for a very white look, but the crowns never appeared as bright as I expected.

Now the crowns are yellowing and seem to pick up stains whenever I drink coffee, but I am not a heavy coffee drinker. I’ve tried using Supersmile toothpaste, but it hasn’t helped.

I have a consultation with a new dentist this Monday. I would appreciate advice on why the crowns are discoloring and what options a dentist may recommend for correcting this issue. Thanks. Paisley from NJ

Paisley,

If your crowns are truly porcelain and the glaze is intact, they should not stain or yellow. However, the glaze can be damaged under certain conditions. Once that happens, the porcelain surface becomes slightly rough and porous, which allows stains to settle in.

What Can Damage the Glaze on Porcelain Crowns?

There are several potential causes of damage to the glaze on porcelain crowns.

  • Dental equipment: Power polishing tools such as the Prophy Jet.
  • Fluoride treatments: Acidulated fluoride (which contains hydrofluoric acid) can etch the glaze. Neutral fluoride, on the other hand, is safe.
  • Everyday acids: Citric acid (citrus fruits), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or hydrochloric acid (from acid reflux) do not affect porcelain, so these are not a concern.
  • Because the stain is now within the etched surface, regular whitening methods won’t work. A cosmetic dentist can determine if the glaze has been damaged.

If damage occurs, stains can embed in the porcelain and won’t come out with products like Supersmile toothpaste, which is designed to dissolve protein films on natural teeth, not rough porcelain surfaces.

Was the Color You Chose Realistic?

The shade BL1 you selected is whiter than any natural tooth color. It was added to tooth shade guides only after bleaching became popular in the 1990s. For reference:

  • B1: The whitest natural shade seen before bleaching.
  • A2: The most common adult tooth color.
  • BL1–BL4: Shades created to match bleached teeth, with BL1 being the brightest.
Ivolcar teeth bleaching shade guides

Teeth bleaching shades

If you had not bleached your teeth, a dentist would typically avoid placing BL1 crowns without addressing the rest of your smile. Otherwise, your darker premolars would be visible, creating a noticeable mismatch. A conscientious cosmetic dentist would discuss this with you upfront and offer options, such as bleaching your natural teeth or adding porcelain veneers to nearby teeth for a seamless look.

Should You Get a Second Opinion?

It sounds like you’re already considering it, which is wise. For the best results, look for a dentist who has cosmetic credentials and a website featuring a smile gallery with before-and-after photos of successful cases.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Should I Expect My Front Teeth to Stick Out Farther with Crowns?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got new crowns on my front teeth in June. The crowns are the shape and color that I asked for, but they stick out farther than the rest of my front teeth. My dentist thinks it’s okay, but it’s not how my teeth looked before the crowns. I have pictures to prove it. Should I expect my front teeth to stick out farther now that I have crowns? Thanks. Cole from TX

 

Cole,

When a dentist places crowns on your front teeth, particularly on just a few, it’s vital that the new crowns align precisely with your other teeth. While a full set of crowns may have a slight variation, two crowns must be in perfect alignment. Your dentist must ensure proper alignment because the dental lab simply follows the dentist’s instructions. If there is an issue with the crowns’ alignment, your dentist must return the crowns to the lab for correction.

Based on your description, the most probable cause of the protrusion is that your dentist did not remove enough of your natural tooth structure. Crowns, particularly ceramic ones, require enough space to fit well. If the tooth isn’t adequately reduced, the crown can protrude.

What Can Be Done About Protruding Front-Teeth Crowns?

The next steps depend on whether your dentist permanently bonded the crowns. If the crowns haven’t been cemented yet, your dentist can return them to the lab. If your dentist didn’t prepare your teeth enough, they need to taper them more, make a new impression, and have the lab create new crowns.

If the crowns have already been cemented, your dentist must do the following:

  • Grind off the crowns carefully
  • Adjust your teeth for improved crown fit
  • Take new impressions of your teeth
  • Ask the lab to make new crowns

Proper teeth alignment is essential for aesthetics and function. When your teeth are correctly positioned, your lips should meet naturally, and your speech and bite will not be affected. A misaligned bite can affect your speech and chewing. Consult a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read why patients say they provide the best dental care in Monroe.

Is Replacement My Only Option for a Cracked Crown?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In 2012, I got four upper front crowns. One of the crowns had a slight defect that was only visible upon close examination. The crown cracked two weeks ago. My dentist wants to replace it. She said that she may need to replace the other crowns to ensure a color match. My crowns are 14 years old, but all of them, except the cracked one, are in excellent condition. Is replacing the crown my only option? Thanks. Gene from AZ

Gene,

A dental crown with the inside visible

Dental crown

A cracked dental crown may require a same-day appointment, but it is a significant defect that could lead to a complete break. You mentioned that this crown has always had a defect, though it wasn’t visible to the naked eye. These types of lines, often referred to as craze lines, can occur in teeth and porcelain but are usually not a concern. However, if you can see and feel the defect, it indicates a change in the crown’s surface.

What Is the Treatment for a Cracked Crown?

When a crown cracks and you have other crowns, your cosmetic dentist will examine them and may suggest replacing all the front crowns if they are old. However, if the other crowns are in good condition, replacing only the affected crown may be an option.

If you choose to replace just one crown, look for a cosmetic dentist with excellent color-matching skills for dental crowns. If the dentist suggests replacing more than one crown to guarantee a perfect match, be cautious; this may indicate a lack of confidence in their ability to match the new crown to the existing ones.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about how Dr. Finley and his team strive to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

Why Can’t I Find a Dentist Who Can Conceal My Dark Front Tooth with a Crown?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

When I was 12, I fell and hit my mouth. Our family dentist did a root canal on my front right tooth, and the crown has been discolored ever since. I’m 57 and have had three dentists replace the crown over the years, but the dark tooth still shows through. I’m concerned about how many cosmetic dentists I’ll need to consult before finding one who understands how to conceal the discoloration on my front tooth. I’m unsure of what to ask, but what’s your advice? Thanks. Ahmed from NY

 

Ahmed,

Understandably, you’re seeking the best care for your cosmetic dental needs. When a dentist has excellent technical abilities and a keen artistic sensibility for natural-looking results, their talent will shine in their patients’ smiles. One way to gauge a dentist’s skill is by viewing examples of their work, which many dentists who excel in aesthetics will feature on their website’s smile gallery.

How Can You Find a Cosmetic Dentist for a Discolored Front Tooth?

To help you search for a practitioner who aligns with your aesthetic goals, look closely at how a dental practice presents itself and its services. The information you shared highlights a few areas that can offer clues about a dentist’s primary focus and approach to cosmetic procedures.

How to Evaluate a Cosmetic Dentist’s Focus

A single dental crown

Consult an accredited cosmetic dentist for natural-looking crowns

You can evaluate a cosmetic dentist’s focus by visiting their website to see if they promote highly aesthetic smiles or affordable dental care. Examine a few cosmetic dentists’ websites with these factors in mind:

  • Review their Online Smile Gallery: Look for a comprehensive patient smile gallery of before-and-after photos. Does the work appeal to your sense of beauty and naturalness?
  • Understand their Approach to Insurance: Dentists focused on affordable dentistry may be in-network with numerous insurance companies. Some cosmetic dentists who use premium materials and specialized labs and dedicate extended time to achieve optimal results may limit their participation in insurance plans, which have constraints and discounted fee schedules. Many top-tier cosmetic dentists may participate with only a few plans or none.
  • Focus on the Artist, Not Just the Materials: Materials like layered zirconia, e.max, or feldspathic porcelain are important. Collaborating with a talented ceramist, an excellent cosmetic dentist can achieve beautiful results with various high-quality options. The true measure of their ability lies in their completed work. Focus should be on the visual evidence of a cosmetic dentist’s work.

We hope these points help you determine your and a cosmetic dentist’s priorities as you refine your search.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

My New Crowns Make My Front Teeth Stick Out

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Disappointed man perhaps due to issues with dental crowns or implantsIs my dentist or the lab at fault if my front teeth stick out after getting new crowns? My crowns look thicker, higher, and more angled than the adjacent teeth. I’m concerned that my dentist may have ground on my teeth too much, and I’m stuck with this messed-up smile. – Thank you. Finnegan from CT

 

Finnegan,

Your concern is understandable when your front teeth protrude and detract from your smile after getting new crowns. Let’s clarify some points to help you understand the situation.

The Role of the Dentist and Lab

Lab’s Responsibilities: The dental lab creates restorations based on the dentist’s precise instructions. The lab follows the dentist’s guidelines if the crowns look correct in the mold.

Dentist’s Responsibilities: The dentist is responsible for the tooth preparation and the accuracy of the instructions sent to the lab. Any discrepancy in the final alignment is primarily the dentist’s responsibility.

Why Do Crowns Make Teeth Protrude?

A common reason for protruding crowns is inadequate removal of tooth structure during preparation. Ceramic crowns require a specific thickness; they can extend too far forward without sufficient tooth reduction.

Can a Dentist Correct Crowns That Make Teeth Protrude?

Knowing whether the crowns are already cemented is essential. If your dentist did not cement the crowns, they should be returned to the lab for correction. This may involve further tooth reduction and new impressions. Crowns that are already cemented must be removed and replaced with new crowns.

It’s essential to discuss your concerns openly with your dentist. Ask for a clear explanation of the cause of the misalignment and the proposed corrective measures. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another qualified dentist if your concerns are not adequately addressed.

Functional and Aesthetic Considerations: Proper front teeth alignment is vital for comfortable lip closure, eating, and speech. Expert cosmetic dentists understand this and prioritize achieving optimal alignment.

Understanding the process and your rights allows you to advocate for dental health and aesthetic outcomes.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

My New Dental Crown Still Feels Weird

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After getting a new crown in December, I had to replace it in mid-January because it felt weird. My dentist offered to re-cement the first grown, but I preferred to wait for a new one. However, my bite is still off with the new crown. I’m happy the crown doesn’t hurt, but it feels weird. Should I ask my dentist for another crown or see another dentist? I think my dentist should refund me, too. Thanks. Nick from Decatur, GA

Nick,

A new crown should feel like a comfortable, healthy natural tooth.

What Can You Do About an Uncomfortable Dental Crown?

If you have lingering discomfort in a dental crown and your dentist cannot correct it, get a second opinion. You may need an X-ray to evaluate the tooth’s condition. If a crowned tooth had a root canal, it wouldn’t hurt cause root canal treatment removes the tooth pulp and nerves.

What Causes Tooth Decay Beneath a Dental Crown?

Tooth decay beneath a dental crown may have one of these causes:

  • Tooth plaque, bacteria, or decay
  • Root canal failure due to unremoved infection

What Is the Treatment for Lingering Discomfort After a New Crown?

If you have lingering discomfort after getting a new dental crown, your dentist may recommend one of the following depending on the tooth’s discomfort:

  • Crown adjustment
  • A new crown
  • Replacing the tooth with a dental implant if it is unsavable

Your discomfort will improve after root canal retreatment, crown replacement, or a dental implant.

Should Your Dentist Refund You for a Faulty Crown?

You and your insurance company (if applicable) paid your dentist for a well-functioning, well-fitting crown. If your dentist fails to provide a quality crown and cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily, you are due a refund. You can report the problem to your dental insurance company or the state dental board if a dentist refuses to refund you.

 

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

My New Dental Crown Is Still the Wrong Color

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My new dental drown is still the wrong color. The drama began when the top of my old root canal tooth turned blue. The tooth had a filling, and my dentist bleached the tooth six weeks ago. That didn’t work, so she put a crown over it. The first crown was too white, so my dentist had the lab redo it. It still does not match my right front tooth, an implant crown. I damaged both teeth in an accident in 2015 but lost one of them. This crown redo process is getting old. How many more times should I let my dentist try to get the color of the root canal tooth to match the implant crown? Thank you. Kamyl from TX

Kamyl,

Thank you for your question.

Matching Crown Color on a Front Tooth

A single dental crown

Consult a skilled cosmetic dentist for natural-looking crowns that match your surrounding teeth

Matching color with a single front tooth is challenging for most dentists. You can quickly notice even a slight color difference on front teeth. Dentists who lack cosmetic dentistry training sometimes ask their patients to put new crowns on both front teeth. Here’s why:

  • Each tooth has multiple shades and variations in translucence.
  • An expert cosmetic will use a high-quality camera and detailed instructions to help a dental ceramist match your crowns.
  • An expert dental ceramist in a lab will layer porcelain and add tints to match the other tooth.
  • A cosmetic dentist is willing to try a temporary crown on your tooth multiple times to perfectly match your dental implant crown.
  • You and your cosmetic dentist should look at your crown in various lighting conditions to detect color differences.
  • Your cosmetic dentist should only cement the crown to your tooth when you both are confident of a perfect color match.

We recommend speaking with your dentist to see if she can work with a dental lab to match your crowns. Otherwise, you can consult an experienced cosmetic to discuss your options.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

Could I Be Allergic to My New Dental Crowns?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have multiple chemical sensitivities and some allergies that I told my dentist about, but I think somehow, I am allergic to my new crowns. All three crowns seem to be infected. Now, I wish I had switched to a holistic dentist. But this is my first time receiving crowns, so I did not know what to expect. I told my dentist that there was leakage around the temporary crowns. She removed the temporary crowns, did a fluoride treatment on my teeth, and prescribed antibiotics. When the final crowns arrived, my dentist filed them a lot because my bite was off. The crowns seemed okay, but the fluid would rush beneath them whenever I drank something. I wore temporary crowns again for two weeks, but my new crowns make my gums burn, and my teeth are sensitive. My dentist did not bond them on, and I do not want her to bond them. Could an allergy to one of the dental chemicals be causing this problem?  – Thanks. Arielle

Arielle,

We cannot diagnose you accurately without an exam, but we can offer some insight.

If your crowns irritate your gums and teeth, do not let your dentist cement them. The discomfort will resolve unless your dentist identifies and treats the problem.

Can New Dental Crowns Cause Burning Gums?

A dental crown with the inside visible

It’s rare to have an allergic reaction to an all-ceramic dental crown

If your dental crowns are burning your gums, you may be sensitive or allergic to the crowns or substances used in the process.

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – If you have metal sensitivity and your dentist placed porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, you may be allergic to them. Ask your dentist to look at the dental alloy certificate from the lab and tell you your crowns’ exact composition.
  • Pure ceramic crowns – Although it is rare to react pure ceramic crowns, it is not impossible. Ask your dentist which materials the lab used to make the crowns.
  • Dental cement – Again, ask about the ingredients in the bonding agent and other materials that your dentist used.

If the crowns or bonding agent contain chemicals for which you do not have a known allergy or sensitivity, you may need testing to determine the culprit.

Consider Getting a Second Opinion

We are also concerned about your dentist’s approach to the irritation and sensitivity you have experienced. Although fluoride remineralizes teeth, it is not an antibacterial that removes infection. Instead, a peroxide rinse or chlorhexidine (antiseptic and disinfectant) is appropriate.

Given your circumstances and the fact that you still need dental crowns to restore your teeth, we recommend finding an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for a second opinion. After an exam and the second-opinion dentist’s findings, you can decide whether to switch dentists to complete your crowns.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

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