The importance of a smile is not to be overlooked. The appearance of your teeth can have a huge effect on your confidence and for some people, certain improvements can be life-changing. There is a wide range of esthetic problems that can easily be solved with a little bit of cosmetic dentistry. NYC can be a highly pressured place when it comes to appearance. Fortunately we have plenty of professional experience helping people with all kinds of people improve their smiles and gain their confidence back.
A few common problems that are easily solved by cosmetic procedures include staining or discoloration; uneven, misshapen, or crowded teeth; large unwanted gaps; ugly dental fillings and more! Cosmetic dentistry (NYC or elsewhere) can fix so many imperfections whether small or large. You may be looking for a few whitening sessions or require a full set of porcelain veneers. Your dentist will be able to help you decide what is the best option for your needs.
Dental crowns are also a beautiful esthetic option to repair a tooth after it has suffered a fracture, deep cavity, or any other trauma. A crown replaces a significant amount of tooth structure in a damaged tooth. Crowns in the past were not nearly as cosmetic as what we can achieve today. Cosmetic Dentistry (NYC especially) presently involves using tools that make dental work appear natural. When a dentist, the dental lab and the patient are all on the same page the results are guaranteed to look astounding.
Why do people get cosmetic dentistry?
As mentioned above, making sure you feel confident about your smile can have huge benefits for your general well-being and mental health. But there are many reasons why you might consider cosmetic dentistry. We often find that treating patients for esthetic reasons can improve their oral health as well, thanks to the extra care and attention being given. Moreover, a better-shaped tooth is easier to floss and keep clean, so the risk of tooth decay and gum disease can be drastically reduced.
If you’re being treated for missing teeth, you’ll benefit more from just a confidence boost. Missing teeth can cause other issues such as ineffective chewing and even jaw problems. Cosmetic dentistry, NYC professionals will confirm, can match a replacement prosthetic so that it looks natural and feels comfortable. Similar benefits come with improvements such as replacing crowns or straightening, reshaping, and whitening your smile. It will offer an instant boost in confidence and health.
The gentleman above had 20-year-old crowns he wanted to replace due to cosmetic reasons. This patient suffered trauma as a teenager which resulted in breaking his front two teeth. The dentist repaired his teeth by placing crowns on the two front teeth. The color was never matched correctly. Over time the gums receded exposing the roots which creates a very unesthetic appearance.
We advised him to replace his old crowns with a much more cosmetic option. His gums were also trimmed with a laser to create a more appropriate tooth length. It only took about an hour of his time in the chair and a week later the permanent crowns were cemented.
After removing the old crowns and cleaning the remaining tooth structure we took impressions to make brand new crowns. Our crowns do NOT contain any metal. Current dental materials allow us to make crowns completely without metal but they are just as strong. The metal-free crowns are much more cosmetic in appearance than their counterparts.
New crowns were cemented just a week later. They appear much more cosmetic and natural than the old ones. With a good oral hygiene routine at home combined with routine dental visits every 6 months, we expect this dental work to last for many years to come.
What are the risks of cosmetic dentistry in this scenario?
Generally, dental crowns can be replaced several times as part of cosmetic dentistry. However, we will always make you aware of the risks of replacing a crown too often. Every time this procedure is carried out, the tooth weakens and the risk of nerve damage or fractures will increase. This is why you will usually be advised not to renew crowns too frequently. If you keep up a good oral hygiene routine, your crown can last for years. The longevity depends on the material used. For instance, a porcelain crown last around five years while one made of zirconia can last a lifetime if properly looked after.
However, life is unpredictable and there are cases where a crown is no longer the best option for the patient. In these situations, a dental implant or bridge might be the better option.
Reasons for replacing an old crown
If you’re wondering when your crown needs to be replaced, there are several signs to look out for. One of the most common is simply that it doesn’t look so great anymore, hence the procedure is included in the remit of cosmetic dentistry. NYC dentists understand the importance of esthetic when it comes to a smile, so if you think that your crown is looking discolored or the gum line is beginning to recede, it’s time to book an appointment with us.
Another situation where a new crown will be needed is when chipping or breakages occur. This might be due to physical trauma or just biting down on a hard piece of food. Like your natural teeth, a crown is susceptible to damage. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the quality of dental work will have an impact on the longevity of your crowns, so always ensure that you work with an experienced and reputable dental professional.
If you’re wondering how to look after your crowns, the answer is simple: good oral hygiene. Just like your dentist told you as a child, be sure you floss and brush after every meal and keep an eye out for early signs of problems.
The process
Replacing a crown is a simple and pain-free process of cosmetic dentistry. NYC dentists like us carry out this procedure many times a month and with the right professional, you can be in and out in no time. There are three key stages: evaluation, treatment, and replacement. Here’s a brief overview of how it works
Evaluation – This is an important stage as we need to assess the state of your tooth. The extent of wear or damage to the crown will determine whether the entire prosthetic is replaced or if the tooth is just freshened up.
Treatment – While the process might take time, it will involve local anesthesia which means you won’t feel a thing. We will then use an adhesive to soften the cement and carefully remove the crown. The most important part of this stage will be the cleaning, as this will ensure that all debris and any infection is removed, and ready for the new prosthetic to be attached. Our final stage is to take an impression of the tooth which is sent to the lab for your new crown to be made.
Replacement – After a few weeks your new crown should be ready and will be fitted into the space (after the temporary crown is removed). It’s important to be careful with your new crown as it settles into your mouth. If you have any problems or concerns, get in touch with us straight away.
New crowns are a fantastic ways option if you’re looking to freshen up your smile with cosmetic dentistry. We are happy to arrange a consultation for you to discuss any issues or questions that you might have about the procedure.
