I had one dental crown that I was replacing and then I decided to get a complete smile makeover. My dentist said that would be fine. I’d get a new dental crown and then the rest of the teeth have porcelain veneers. I was excited until the project was completed. The crown looks good and the veneers look good, but they don’t match. Somehow, the crown looks a little more opaque than the porcelain veneers. I know that shouldn’t be a big deal to me, but it is. My dentist says you can’t really tell there’s any difference. Is there anything I can do?
Jenna M. – Wisconsin
Jenna,
Who’s telling you that you shouldn’t think it is a big deal? The dentist? It’s your smile, and if you’re paying for a makeover, it should be gorgeous. At the very least, your teeth should match.
I suspect your cosmetic dentist, is actually just a good natured family dentist who does some cosmetic dentistry on the side. It takes a significant amount of skill and artistry to match a crown to porcelain veneers or vice-versa. I’m guessing your dentist doesn’t have that skill.
One thing that does worry me, is that you mentioned the crown looks a little opaque. I would ask your dentist what kind of crown he gave you. Was it an all-porcelain crown or a porcelain fused to metal crown. The porcelain fused to metal crowns tend to be more opaque, but worse than that you will eventually develop a dark line at your gumline that will be quite visible.
The good news is, that if you are thoroughly pleased with the porcelain veneers, it will be easy to just replace the dental crown in order to match it to the veneers. You’ll have to go to a different dentist, but that is much less costly than having to replace everything.
The key will be to get the right dentist. In tricky cases like this, you really need someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. (AACD) They will have the skill you need. Bear in mind there is a difference between a member and an accredited member.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.