Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Archives for August 2021

I am disappointed with my snap-on denture

by

I am disappointed with my snap-on denture. The implants fit well, but the denture teeth look fake, big, and bulky. I got the denture from a place that says I cannot get a refund. They say they will do what they can to make sure I am satisfied. But I have no confidence in them. Is there any way to take the denture to another dentist to do something about the denture teeth? I am embarrassed to smile with this denture. I was looking forward to my denture not falling out, but now I do not mind if it falls out and crashes to the floor. Please excuse my rant. I do need some practical advice. Thank you. Lenore

Lenore,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with your snap-on denture. Based on what you described, your current dentist will not be able to improve it. Most dentists do not have the artistic talent to create a natural-looking denture. And to think that the place you visited refuses to give refunds. It sounds like they know that their work does not look natural.

Dentures from a Cosmetic Dentist

Diagram of a snap-on denture from Tulsa, OK dentist Jerome Cha, DDS

Snap-on Denture

Advanced cosmetic dentists take several steps to ensure your denture fits your facial features and fits well in your mouth:

  • Talk with you about the look you want for your new smile
  • Take preliminary impressions of your mouth
  • Make a custom tray that fits your mouth only
  • Make a wax model for you to try in your mouth
  • Use high-quality or premium denture teeth that look real

Although you have no refund for your dentures, you can ask your dentist about replacing the denture teeth or the entire denture. If you do not succeed, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Dr. Jerome Cha, a Tulsa, OK accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Is My Fractured Dental Crown an Emergency?

by

One of my four porcelain crowns cracked, and I would like to know if it is an emergency. The tooth is my left lateral incisor. I do not want to jeopardize my tooth and end up needing a dental implant. The fracture is near the bottom. I took pictures of the crack when I first noticed it, and it’s more noticeable than it was a few months ago.  I do not want it to break while I am out of town visiting my mom for two weeks. The other issue is that I have a new dentist that I have only seen for cleanings and exams. I’m not sure that I want this practice to do any cosmetic work on my teeth. Is my fractured crown an emergency? – Thank you. Adele from KY

 

Adele,

Thank you for your question.

Is a Fractured Dental Crown an Emergency?

A fractured crown is not an emergency that would immediately jeopardize your tooth, so that you need a dental implant. Thin fractures (craze lines) in teeth or crowns are usually affected only the tooth enamel. But if you can see the fracture and it is more visible than before, it may mean that it is getting worse. And the crown will eventually break completely.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

You are wise not to trust a dentist whose cosmetic work you haven’t experienced or seen. We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to replace the crown. If you are concerned about the crown while you are out-of-town, you may want to see a cosmetic dentist soon, depending on how much time you have before your trip. It usually takes about two weeks to get a new crown.

dental implant beside a natural toothReplacing one crown requires a dentist to have the color-matching skill to ensure the replacement matches your natural teeth and other crowns. Color-matching is a challenge for many dentists. And they seldom admit when they do not have the skill.

If you must delay a dental visit and anything happens to your crown while out of town, look for an accredited cosmetic dentist or one with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Look at dentists’ websites for a smile gallery of before-and-after photos of crowns on front teeth.

And please do not worry about needing a dental implant. If the crown broke and you left the tooth unprotected for an extending period, then your natural tooth might weaken and break.

Jerome Cha, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Tulsa, OK, sponsors this post.

Menu
Phone
New Patient

Existing Patient