After placing two zirconia crowns on my front teeth, my dentist felt bad he couldn’t get the shape and color right. He referred me to a prosthodontist to fix it. However, the new crowns are too dark. The tooth shape looks better, but the length is shorter than my natural teeth were. I’ve complained to both dentists about the time and cost involved. I don’t know why my dentist bonded the crowns to my teeth before I was fully alert from sedation. That’s where the trouble began. I am unsure of how to resolve this. The problems with the crowns have delayed my Invisalign treatment by two months. Am I stuck with crowns on my front teeth that are the wrong color? I’m nervous about seeing a third dentist for this. Is it that complicated? Thanks. Shannon
Shannon,
We are sorry to hear about your negative dental experience. We can offer suggestions to resolve it.
If you could not approve the color of your crowns because you were sedated, your dentist should not have bonded the crowns. Unfortunately, it seems that your dentist lacks concerns about your satisfaction. Some dentists might prioritize their judgment and the mechanics of dental crowns over patient satisfaction. However, an advanced cosmetic dentist’s philosophy is to perfect your smile based on their training and your preferences.
Zirconia Crowns on Front Teeth
If you received pure zirconia crowns for your front teeth, their one-color nature might not mimic the variations of natural teeth. A dental ceramist can layer and bake porcelain over zirconia, resulting in more natural results. Did your dentist explain this option?
Sedation for Dental Crowns
Sedation can impair judgment. A cosmetic dentist can place temporary crowns for you to wear and test out. You can request adjustments to the temporary crowns. After you approve them, your dentist will instruct a ceramist to make the final crowns.
What Can You Do When Front Teeth Crowns Are the Wrong Color?
When crowns on your front teeth are the wrong color, you can find a skilled cosmetic dentist and seek a refund from your current dentist.
- Choosing a cosmetic dentist. Check reviews of dentists with post-graduate cosmetic training and experience. They have. technical skills and understand that your smile’s aesthetics are your decision. During a consultation, you should discern that the cosmetic dentist is genuinely invested in your satisfaction.
- Getting a refund. After choosing a new cosmetic dentist, ask if they will support you in negotiating a refund from your previous dentist and the prosthodontist.
Find at least two accredited cosmetic dentists for consultations. If no accredited cosmetic dentists are in your area, look for dentists with training from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, or other facilities for aesthetic training. Be patient in finding a skilled cosmetic dentist to prevent further interruptions to your Invisalign treatment.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and Dr. Henderson do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
