In this blog article, we’re combining two of our favorite topics to focus on two of our patients, Carmen and Jim, AND share their Porcelain Crown Smile Makeover Spotlight Stories with you. We love to showcase the success of our patients’ treatments and we’ve had a lot of interest in Porcelain Crowns being used in Smile Makeovers. Win! Win!

CASE STUDY | Porcelain Crowns Transform Worn Teeth from Grinding

Patient: Carmen, 68 Years

Problem: Hiding her smile due to Cracked & Stained Teeth

Solution: 10 Porcelain Crowns

We’d like to introduce you to Carmen…

Problem:

Welcome to Carmen’s porcelain crown smile makeover story … Carmen decided it was time for a smile makeover when she realized that she was hiding her smile. She didn’t much care for her smile anymore, as it had become worn over the years. When she looked in the mirror she noticed years of wear and tear, and staining had left her teeth cracked, yellow, and crumbling. Her concerns were understandable. We further noted the triangular shape of her two front teeth that created an older and worn appearance. This blow to her self-confidence left this friendly, vibrant, socially outgoing woman covering her mouth as she smiled or worse yet … NOT smiling at all.

Solution:

Carmen is one of our long-time patients and when she called to schedule an appointment for a Smile Consultation, she confided in us and explained how her worn smile was making her feel.  So, we got to work! After careful examination, dental X-rays, dental photography, study models, and case planning, we were ready to meet with Carmen to discuss our treatment recommendations to restore her smile. It was decided that in order to restore Carmen’s teeth, 10 all-porcelain crowns would need to be created. We discussed the shade of her teeth and picked a lighter, but natural-looking color. We also agreed that in order to create more fullness of the teeth at the gum-line level, adding a slight amount of length to her teeth would give her a more natural appearance and restore the areas of her teeth that had been chipped away.

Process:

Pre-planning a smile makeover is of vital importance in all cases; however, it was extremely important in Carmen’s case to really study her smile after her initial appointment and take into consideration what was most important to her: a natural, beautiful, youthful smile that she was confident to show her true personality.

Outcome:

We placed 10 porcelain crowns to Carmen’s upper, front teeth and now … She LOVES Her Smile! Check out the difference in her actual smile in the lower photos (see above):

• Before Photo (top picture): her teeth were showing lots of cracking, yellow staining, and chipping, which made her feel as if her smile was “crumbling”. Carmen’s smile in her before photo is something we see a lot: time taking it’s natural toll. We don’t realize how much work our teeth do for us in just one day, little lone over a period of fifty years!
• After Photo (bottom picture): shows Carmen’s transformed smile! Her hand-crafted porcelain crowns  were customized to create a whiter, yet natural, more symmetrical and youthful smile. Notice how healthy Carmen’s teeth, gums and smile look AND how natural her teeth look.

Now you understand why we wanted to share Carmen’s porcelain crown smile makeover story! It’s important that you know: These restorations were placed 15 years ago! Her after photo (bottom picture) was taken 1 year ago! Isn’t that amazing? Just because time takes a natural toll on our smile, doesn’t mean that we have to like it OR that we have to live with it! A smile transformation, like Carmen’s, is a long-term solution — not a short-term fix. After 15 years, they still look brand new. Please understand, these photos are not altered, filtered, or touched up in any way. We feel that showing true closeup photos of our patient’s smiles display the transformative level of care, detail and craftsmanship that we provide our patients. This type of transformation includes our patient, our laboratory artist, and our experienced dental team working closely together to create and achieve phenomenal results. Carmen’s porcelain crown smile makeover spotlights the art and science of the cosmetic dentistry options that we offer at the offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates.

CASE STUDY | Porcelain Crowns Restore Health & Appearance

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. And there was a gap between one of the crowns and the tooth which led to gum inflammation and decay, which causes bleeding. In this situation, 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 in this porcelain crown smile makeover!

Process:

Before Photo (top picture): shows the short length and different colors of his old crowns.

After Photo (bottom picture): 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 inflammation. They also have to be glossy and 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 body’s natural 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.

Outcome:

These photos of Jim’s porcelain crown smile makeover 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?  
• Major Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns

We’d love for you to review a few of the other Smile Spotlight Case Studies we’ve created to highlight our patients:

• Carla’s Story
• Ann’s Story
• Steve’s Story
• Brittney’s Story
• Amy’s Story
• Paula’s Story
• David’s Story 
• Charlene’s Story
• Andrea’s Story
• Erin’s Story
• Shelly’s Story
• Andrew’s Story
• Becky’s Story

Dental Crowns Are Used in Restorative and Cosmetic Dental Treatments

When you think about dental crowns, you probably associate them with the final step in a root canal. Or, maybe you think about crowns as the final step when fixing a large cavity or getting a dental implant to restore a missing tooth. However, dental crown uses have even more diversity in the dental field and can be used for multiple purposes. In fact, dental crowns are often used for cosmetic and restorative dentistry, helping improve smiles every day!

What is the Difference Between Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry? 

So, what exactly are these two types of dentistry we’re mentioning? Let’s break it down:

Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic Dentistry deals with the esthetics or the look of your teeth. This often means that with cosmetic dentistry, you’re fixing staining or discoloration, misaligned teeth, or misshapen teeth. This type of dentistry doesn’t restore your teeth or oral health but improves the look and feel of your smile altogether! Services often include whitening, braces, and contouring.

Restorative Dentistry: Restorative Dentistry is just as it sounds – it helps restore your teeth to proper function and health. For example, if you have a cracked tooth, a restorative treatment will be in order to restore that tooth to it’s proper look and health. Services often include fillings, extractions,  crowns and bridges, and implants.

Learn More about how Smile Makeovers Incorporate Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Crowns are Commonly Used 

Taking a closer look at how dental crowns are specifically used in dentistry, you can see that they’re used quite often. Dental crowns are almost like a catch-all fix and can work wonders helping to restore the look and functionality of your teeth in many ways.

Crowns can:

• Fix the look of misshapen teeth
• Cover a tooth with a large filling to provide extra support
• Protect a weak tooth
• Cover a miscolored tooth
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Cover a dental implant
• Used in many restorative and cosmetic treatments!

Related Articles: 

• Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns
• Different Types of Dental Crowns

How Porcelain Crowns Can Restore Your Dental Issues

Porcelain crowns are long-term, durable options for a wide range of dental problems, usually lasting between 5-15 years and can improve the strength and appearance of teeth. Teeth that contain cracks, has a broken-down root, or has had a root canal performed may need a dental crown to reinforce the tooth and strengthen the surrounding area of the mouth. Along with strengthening and restoring, porcelain dental crowns have multiple advantages, such as:

• Protecting a tooth from being damaged further: Broken or misshapen teeth can impact your bite and the overall health of your mouth. Crowns eliminate further damage by fixing the problem before more damage can occur.
• Change the appearance of a tooth by altering its shape and color: Crowns can improve the look of your smile – helping the appearance of any misshapen, broken teeth, or dental implants and can help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
• Uses safe porcelain material that is FDA approved and non-harmful for patients: Porcelain crowns are known to be the most comfortable options for a patient’s mouth and are free of any harmful or toxic materials.
• Durable and stain resistant: Porcelain crowns are known to last for many years and are extremely stain resistant, helping your smile stay protected and spotless for a long time.

Along with plentiful advantages, the risks of porcelain crowns are also very low and help restore the form, function, and aethetics of your smile.

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Whether or not you need a dental crown depends on the function and state of your teeth. If you have quite a few broken teeth, require a root canal procedure, or are having a large filling done, a dental crown will likely be an option to help restore those teeth. Your next step is to schedule your smile consultation!

5 Steps: Getting a Dental Crown 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 Crown: 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.

Getting a dental crown procedure is a much less intimidating process than it seems, especially once you understand the steps involved.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Basically, dental crowns are great at restoring your teeth (restorative dentistry) and also provide a great, natural look (cosmetic dentistry). They help you regain the original look and size of any tooth or can take the place of a missing tooth to make your smile whole again. 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.

To keep your crowns healthy and long-lasting, make sure to:

• See your dentist routinely
• Brush your teeth twice each day
• Floss daily
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that could cause damage
• Use fluoride treatments, if recommended

Restore your teeth with a Porcelain Crown Smile Makeover 

If you thought porcelain crowns were just just used to complete a root canal treatment, now you know that dental crown uses complete many treatments in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry that we use on our porcelain crown smile makeover patients. Remember, if you don’t like your smile because it’s cracked, misaligned,stained, or in poor health – 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.