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.
