I just spent close to $30,000 on something I now feel was entirely unnecessary. I have a small mouth and my two front teeth turned in just a bit. Not a lot, but a bit. I also had three missing back teeth. My dentist capped four of my front teeth and put mini implants in for the back teeth. However, the caps are so big that I cannot even close my mouth all the way. It’s caused horrible dry mouth and some pain in my jaw. My smile used to be attractive and now it looks like some kind of caricature. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Sandy
Dear Sandy,
I am very sorry for what you are going through, and you will not feel better when I tell you that this was done incorrectly. If I understand you correctly your two front teeth were just turned a bit inward. That could have been solved with just two porcelain veneers. Now, it is too late for that. Once that tooth structure has been removed for the porcelain crowns, then there is no way to get it back.
However, inexperienced cosmetic dentists tend to lean on doing dental crowns, which they are more comfortable with. Doing four of them does not surprise me at all. He or she probably thought that was the only way to match the crowns to the adjacent teeth. That is another flaw of inexperienced cosmetic dentists. They have trouble matching things.
Another concern is the use of mini-dental implants. I am hoping your dentist did not put dental crowns on each of them. Mini-implants are really only strong enough to support a denture, not a dental crown. You would need full-sized dental implants for that.
Not being able to close your mouth is particularly disconcerting. That dry mouth you are experiencing is quite detrimental to your oral health. Your saliva carries important minerals that help fight against decay. Without the saliva, you will begin to see a great increase in decay and possibly gum disease. Additionally, the pain to your jaw, if left untreated can lead to TMJ disorder.
Though all of that may sound frightening, I think you will find the seriousness of the issues will work out for you in the long run. It will enable you to get the refund you need to get this done right. I don’t think having your dentist try again will work out any better. Instead, I am going to suggest after you get the refund, you find an expert cosmetic dentist. The best cosmetic dentists are accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Get a consultation with an AACD accredited dentist. These are the best cosmetic dentists in the country.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.