metal based crowns Archives - Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S

I have a crown on a front tooth that has never been very attractive but it was better than just having a stub there or no tooth at all. Recently, I noticed that there is a grey line at the top of the crown where my gumline is. I showed it to a friend that I was comfortable enough to be vulnerable with. She said that my dentist gave me the old-fashioned metal based crowns. Apparently, now they use all-porcelain crowns on teeth. She told me she has a crown on her incisor. I couldn’t believe it. Her crown looks just like the rest of her teeth. I will admit to being jealous. So, my questions are: Am I with the wrong dentist if he can’t make crowns that look like my teeth and he’s using outdated material? Also, is there anything I can do about this grey line?

Janice

Dear Janice,

Dental crown being placed on a tooth.

While there are a lot of dentists who still use metal-based dental crowns, very few of them do it on front teeth anymore for the very reasons that are bothering you. The grey line is inevitable with them and you certainly don’t want that on a visible tooth. They also have to be made much more opaque looking in order to cover the dark metal. So, they end up looking less natural than their all-porcelain crown counterparts.

The reason they are still used on back teeth is because you need something strong enough to withstand the biting forces on the back teeth. However, these days we now have zirconia crowns that are strong enough for the back and are metal-free.

It sounds like your dentist is comfortable doing things the way they have always been done. That may suit some patients just fine, but it sounds like you are looking for someone who is more up to date with the latest materials and methods. He will not be the best dentist for you. At the very least, you will want someone who cares more about the appearance related side of dentistry, which means someone who has invested in cosmetic training. Additionally, they should do a try in with your crowns before permanently bonding them on in order to make sure you are happy with their appearance. If you’re not they should send them back to the lab to make changes. This is especially true on a front tooth because they are more difficult to get to match. It will often take two or three goes before there is an exact match with a front tooth.

As to the gray line, the only way to fix that is to replace the crown. As you hate how it looks you may want to do that anyway.

This blog is brought to you by Portage, MI Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

If I have dental crowns can I still get a smile makeover? I wanted to get porcelain veneers but my husband doesn’t think crowns can be veneered. I’m not sure I want more crowns because they look so fake. Plus, they have a gray line at the gumline. I hate that so I rarely smile.

Caitlin

Dear Caitlin,

a before and after picture of a smile makeover done by Dr. Dennis

A Gorgeous Smile Makeover Done by Dr. Susan Dennis

While your husband is correct that you cannot place porcelain veneers on top of dental crowns, that does not preclude you from getting a smile makeover. In fact, you can get a gorgeous smile, even with dental crowns.

The key is finding the right cosmetic dentist who is a good listener to ensure you get the smile you actually want. One thing Dr. Dennis uses is a digital makeover so you can get an idea of what your smile will look like on you when it’s completed. That way you can know ahead of time if your both on the same page.

Smile Makeovers When You Have Dental Crowns

What you’ll end up with is a mixture of porcelain veneers and crowns. Unless there’s some particular need to do anything drastic to the bottom arch of teeth, all that’s usually necessary is to whiten the bottom arch with teeth whitening unless there are some obvious things you’d like to change. It’s completely up to you.

If your crowned teeth are visible, you’ll want to make sure they give you all-porcelain crowns. The crowns you have now aren’t all-porcelain. That’s why they don’t look natural and why there’s a gray line. You’ve currently got metal-based crowns which should never be placed on front teeth. Though, any halfway decent cosmetic dentist would know that. Then the other teeth, which aren’t crowned, can receive the porcelain veneers.

Choosing Who Should Do Your Smile Makeover

The first thing I’d look at is their smile gallery. You don’t want to end up with a dentist who doesn’t get the kind of results you’re looking for in your own smile makeover. When you see a gallery who’s dentist created smiles you adore, call the office to make sure their actual cases the dentist has done and not stock photos.

Next, I’d check their reviews to make sure people have been happy with the service they received. Maybe you’re willing to put up with someohe who’s a jerk to their paitents, but gets good results. I don’t think I would be. I’d want someone who has a good chairside manner along with artistic skills.

Finally, make sure they’re willing to stand behind their work. They should have some form of beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.

Am I With the Wrong Dentist?

Can You Get a Smile Makeover if You Have Crowns?

Smile Makeovers When You Have Dental Crowns

Choosing Who Should Do Your Smile Makeover