I had a dental implant done to replace a front tooth. She has replaced the crown twice and said she will try one more time, but that I should expect too much because my teeth are between two shades. After this upcoming attempt, she told me I need to learn to be grateful that I have a solid tooth and stop having unrealistic expectations. Am I being unreasonable for wanting my front teeth to match? She also hinted I could loose the implant if we keep removing the crown. Am I putting the implant at risk?
Cassie
Dear Cassie,
No, you are not being unreasonable to want your teeth to match. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. I think the real battle here is not with getting the crown to match your teeth, but with your dentist’s cosmetic skill and understanding.
It is quite possible that your teeth are between two of the “standard” colors. Most people’s are. What you need is a dentist who understands color theory. Those standard colors are good for back teeth where the color doesn’t have to be exact. For front teeth, a little more skill is necessary.
When a skilled cosmetic dentist needs to match front teeth, they will make a color map, like the one to the left for the ceramist. You will notice that the dentist creates a map of your tooth and tells the ceramist the type and color of tints that need to go in the area. Using these methods, you can match any tooth.
Even the best cosmetic dentists will have to do a couple of try-ins before they perfectly match a front tooth. As to whether that will put your dental implant at risk, there are two issues here. First, if you dental implant is well-placed, repairing the crown should not affect it. Second, it sounds like your dentist is not doing a try-in but bonding on the crown without you getting to look at and approve it before the permanent bonding.
This is more evidence that she does not understand cosmetic work. I am going to recommend you see an expert cosmetic dentist and have them examine your dental implant. If it is fine and only the crown needs replacing, then just ask your dentist for a refund on the crown and have the other dentist replace that properly.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.