Hi, I went to dentist today to inquire about replacing the crown on my two front teeth. They were put on about fifteen years ago and are discolored and embarrassing. I was told I need full ortho braces before I can get the crowns replaced. I do not have the money for that and I don’t see why I can’t just get new crowns and do the other stuff later. My front teeth in question are a little crooked and bucked out but not that terrible. What should I do?
\n– PJ from Wisconsin<\/p>\n
Dear PJ,
\nI don’t like it when dentists put these restrictions on their treatment – they will only do the perfect treatment or nothing. People have budgets and sometimes less than ideal is the only thing within their budget.<\/p>\n
You certainly should be able to get these crowns replaced without doing the orthodontic treatment. You could forgo the\u00a0braces<\/a> entirely, or you could do it later. The dentist should still be able to do great crowns and get them looking great.<\/p>\n I would find another dentist who is a more sympathetic and understanding type who will work with you and your budget.<\/p>\n And I would be sure to do all-porcelain crowns on your front teeth<\/a>. Otherwise they will tend to look fake and will end up showing a dark line at the gumline. Make sure your dentist feels comfortable with this type of crown. Don’t press your dentist to do a certain type of crown – but ask what type the dentist recommends, all-porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. And if he recommends porcelain fused to metal<\/a>, you’re in the wrong office. Just quietly exit and find a dentist who loves doing the all-porcelain.
\n– Dr. Hall<\/p>\n