In 2000, I got two dental implants and six crowns. My dentist did a wonderful job on them. But since then, I moved and switched dentists. My crowns were worn, and my new dentist said he would do e.max crowns and get a perfect match for my teeth. But the e.max crowns make my front teeth too big and buck-teeth bulky and thick. For some reason, the crowns on my natural teeth do not match my implant crowns. My dentist said he could remove and replace them. But the crowns are only slightly thinner than the first ones. It looks so bad that people probably think I need a smile makeover or braces. Although my dentist is kind and agreeable to redoing the crowns, I think that he cannot keep his promise because he does not know what to do. Can I get the crowns removed and replaced with veneers that won’t be as thick? – Thanks. Jamison from Seattle

Jamison,

Thank you for your question.

We will answer your question and advise you on finding a dentist who can provide restorations that match your implant crowns.

Removing e.max Crowns

e.max crowns are made of lithium disilicate—a challenging material to remove. An advanced cosmetic dentist can grind off the crowns with diamond burs. But the dentist must be skilled in the technique to avoid damaging your teeth.

We do not recommend asking your current dentist to remove your crowns. Perhaps he does not understand dental aesthetics and how to achieve natural-looking results. An artistic cosmetic dentist will temporarily bond your new crowns to your teeth to ensure you love how they look and feel.

Can You Replace Crowns with Veneers?

You are unable to replace dental crowns with porcelain veneers. When a dentist prepares a tooth for a crown, it affects every side—making the tooth too small to support a porcelain veneer. But tooth preparation for porcelain veneers is different. When preparing a tooth, a skilled cosmetic dentist will only remove a fraction of a millimeter from the tooth’s front.

Get a Second Opinion

A cosmetic dentist can only replace your e.max crowns with new crowns. But you do not need to repeat an unpleasant experience with another dentist who lacks training and experience in cosmetic dentistry.

• Please look for dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and years of experience practicing the art.
• Read the dentist’s patients’ reviews. If you cannot find any reviews, be cautious.
• You can schedule a consultation with one or two dentists to discuss your treatment options.
• Ask to see before-and-after patient photos of the dentist’s work with crowns.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can replace your crowns and expertly match them to your surrounding teeth. The results will refresh your smile and look natural.

 

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry sponsors this post. Dr. LeSage is an accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.