CASE STUDY | Porcelain Crowns

Patient: Jim, 45 Years

Problem: Disliked the Color and Appearance of his Teeth & had Bleeding Gums

Solution: 4 Porcelain Crowns

We’d like to introduce you to Jim …

Problem:

At the age of 45, Jim didn’t like to smile because he didn’t like his yellow-colored teeth. He also felt like they looked fake. He had a collection of old crowns and flings on his front four teeth that were done at different times creating a mismatch of colors and sizes.

Jim was also experiencing unhealthy, bleeding gums because his old dental work had not been properly contoured or shaped. There was also a gap between one of the crowns and the tooth which leads to gum inflammation and decay, which causes bleeding. Regardless of how hard a patient tries, they can’t keep that area clean because there is a gap that allows for infection, which causes bleeding, inflammation and swelling.

Solution:

After Jim’s consultation with Dr. Anderson, they decided to move forward with a procedure to place 4 custom-made porcelain crowns. We created custom crowns with a natural color and length. Now his gum tissue is pink and healthy. Jim’s final result shows a beautiful smile.

Process:

• Upper picture (before photo) shows the short length and different colors of his old crowns.
  • Notice on the before photo, you can see that it just doesn’t look right at the gum line; they old crowns are bulky and there are gaps.
• Bottom picture is the final close up of the 4 new crowns showing Jim’s beautiful and natural smile.
  • Notice the level of detail and craftsmanship that can be obtained with porcelain crowns:
    • In order for crowns to fit correctly, they have to be the exact Contour (or shape) — not too big, not too small in order to support the gums. They also have to have closed margins (or no gapping) which creates DKA and inflammation. They also have to be classy glossy smooth to prevent plaque buildup.
    • When crowns are done following these protocols, gums will naturally stop bleeding because the body senses that the normal tooth is smooth, shiny and normal sized. Then, the systems kick into place that allow for healing.
  • Crowns can improve the length and symmetry of a smile and cover teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored.
  • 5 Steps: Getting a Dental Crown Procedure

Outcome:

These photos show up close before and after results that demonstrate what is possible and the level of detail that is available with hand-crafted porcelain crowns. Jim smiles all the time now, because he has a beautiful smile and loves the natural color and shape of his teeth. With proper care, porcelain crowns last for years.

Related Articles: Cosmetic Dentistry and Full Mouth Restoration — One in the same? and Major Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns

We Believe: You Should Smile Every Day 

Why do we feel that it’s important to smile every day? Other than the health benefits of smiling? Other than the mood-boosting effects that smiling has on our brains? We decided to showcase the Top 10 Reasons You Should Smile Every Day Below because We LOVE Our Patients – and we want them to LOVE Their Smile!!

Top 10 Reasons You Should Smile Every Day

Many people see smiling as an involuntary response to things that bring you joy or laughter. While this opinion is certainly true, what most people overlook is that smiling can be just as much a voluntary response as a conscious and powerful choice.

Countless scientific studies have confirmed that a genuine smile is generally considered attractive to others around us. Other studies have shed light on how the act of smiling can elevate your mood and the mood of those around you. Still, others have found a strong link between longevity, good health, and smiling. Most importantly, studies have shown​ that just the act of smiling, whether the result of real joy or an act, can have both short-term and long-term benefits on people’s health and well being.

If you’re still not convinced, here are the top 10 reasons you should make a conscious effort to smile every day.

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

Use the power of your smile to attract and draw people to you. We are naturally drawn to people who smile. There is a real physical attraction factor linked to the act of smiling.

It should not surprise you to know that negative facial expressions like frowns, scowls, and grimaces have the opposite effect and push people away. Use the attraction power of your smile!

2. Smiling Relieves Stress

Did you know that stress can permeate our entire being and can actually show up in our faces? Smiling not only helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed but can actually help reduce stress.

Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don’t feel like smiling or even know that you’re smiling! When you are stressed, take the time to put on a smile. You and those around you will reap the positive benefits.

3. Smiling Elevates Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. Smiling can trick the body into helping you elevate your mood because the physical act of smiling activates neural messaging in your brain. That means that there’s a good chance your mood will change for the better.

Think of smiling like a natural anti-depressant. In “sciency” terms, a simple smile can trigger the release of neural communication boosting neuropeptides as well as mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

4. Smiling Is Contagious

How many smiles have been described as having the power to lighten up the room? While it is certainly a beautiful sentiment, it carries a hint of truth. Smiling not only has the power to elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others and make things happier.

The part of your brain that is responsible for your controlling the facial expression of smiling is an unconscious automatic response area. Meaning that smiling can be completely unconscious, particularly when it comes to our habit of mimicking another person’s smile. Yes, it is scientifically proven that smiles are “contagious!”

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling can also boost your overall health. The act of smiling helps the human immune system to function more effectively. It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed (thanks to the release of certain neurotransmitters).

In addition to taking precautions like washing your hands, why not try to prevent the cold and flu by smiling?

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home.

Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Makes Us Feel Good

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together these three neurotransmitters make us feel good from head to toe.

Not only do these natural chemicals elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Makes You Look Younger

Not only can smiling make you more attractive it can also make you look more youthful. The muscles we use to smile also lift the face, making a person appear younger.

So instead of opting for a facelift, just try smiling your way through the day — you will look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Studies have shown that people who smile regularly appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and are more likely to be approached.

Try putting on a smile during your ZOOM meetings and business appointments. You might find that people react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard, isn’t it?

Even when a smile feels unnatural or forced, it still sends the brain and ultimately the rest of our body the message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress, and worry by smiling.

Getting a Dental Crown: 5 Step Procedure

Fitting a dental crown is a common dental procedure done to repair damaged or broken teeth. From the outside looking in, the process of getting a dental crown procedure might seem complicated, but we’ve broken it down into five comprehensible stages.

1. Consult

At this stage, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if a dental crown is needed. Dental crowns are often used on broken or misshapen teeth. They might also be used in the case of a large filling or a root canal.

2. X-ray

A dental X-ray helps your dentist fully evaluate your oral health. With this technology, issues like an abscess, infection, decay, and bone loss are visible. Some of these conditions might lead you to require a dental crown.

3. Treatment Plan

If you require a dental crown procedure, it will be included in your treatment plan, along with any other treatments you need to restore your dental health. The treatment plan is almost a follow-up from the consult, but now, you move forward with more information regarding the current state of your dental health. At this point, it is time to prepare a plan of action.

If you and your dentist determine that a dental crown is the best option to reconstruct your teeth moving forward, the dentist will prepare a final and a temporary crown.

4. Prep the Crowns

A final crown needs to be custom made, as they are created to suit your mouth. The shape is determined by using an impression or mold.

The first step is filing down your tooth. The impression is made of the filed-down tooth, as well as the teeth beside it, to ensure that the final crown fits in the space perfectly. It takes time to construct your final crown, so in the meantime, a temporary one is used.

A temporary crown is made using an impression of your tooth before it was filed down. The temporary crown is manufactured using acrylic-based material and will be done in our office during your visit. The temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is prepared.

5. Seat the Crown

When your final crown is ready, you’ll have to return to the dentist to have it seated. The temporary crown will be taken out, and your final crown will be placed upon the tooth. Once your dentist ensures that the crown is the perfect fit, it will be cemented into place.

Crowns must be cared for just like regular teeth, so you can continue to brush and floss the crown just as any other tooth. Although dental crowns are both strong and effective, they typically only last about ten years. Remember that you should continue to check in with your dentist to ensure that your crown is still functioning properly.

Getting a dental crown procedure is a much less intimidating process than it seems, especially once you understand the steps involved. If you are concerned about your broken or misshapen teeth and want to see if a dental crown is right for you, book an appointment with one of our dentists at Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates. We can help you decide if a dental crown is right for you.

There you have it … NOT Smiling is NOT an Option!

Smiling is important for you and those around you. If you don’t like your smile because it’s cracked, misaligned or stained – we can help! Call and schedule a Smile Consultation with Thomas L. Anderson, DDS or one of our Smile Makeover Experts! We work hard to make sure our patients have healthy, confident smiles they love to share with others. We’d love to help you smile every day too.!

Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.