What Kind of Implant Crowns Should I Ask For?

Posted on May 21, 2025 by AllSmiles.

My four upper front teeth are missing, and I have a partial denture and a dental bridge to replace them. My dentist wants to replace the teeth with four dental implants, plus put crowns on each tooth immediately behind the dental implants. He says that I’ll get a better match with crowns.

I have a gummy smile, and the dental bridge looks like it’s sitting on my gums. I don’t want that same look with my dental implants or the teeth immediately behind them. I’m concerned about the crowns my dentist will use and whether metal from the implant posts will show through. Also, I don’t want porcelain on metal crowns for my natural teeth. I don’t know what type of crowns to ask for, so what is your advice on the best dental implant crowns to ask my dentist for to ensure my smile looks like I never lost my four front teeth? Thanks so much. Salome from GA

Salome,

Several things about your dentist’s recommendations concern us.

Placing crowns on teeth adjacent to the dental implants: If your dentist wants to place crowns on your canine teeth for aesthetics, that implies that he doesn’t know how to place porcelain veneers. Veneers are the treatment of choice if they are needed at all.
Not recommending teeth whitening and gum buildup: A skilled cosmetic dentist would recommend both procedures to harmonize your natural teeth and dental implant crowns.

Rather than asking your dentist for a specific crown type for your dental implants or natural teeth, finding an expert cosmetic dentist who understands how to conceal the borderline between a dental implant and its crown while maintaining the translucency of a natural tooth is essential. You won’t get these results from attempting to coach a non-artistic dentist.

Artistic cosmetic dentists are conscious about the appearance of your lip line and gumline, and ensure dental restorations blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. It takes years of education, training, and experience for a dentist to achieve a highly aesthetic, natural smile for a patient.

It’s disastrous to tell a dentist what materials and techniques to use. We recommend consulting one or two advanced cosmetic dentists because if appearance is your priority, only an artistic dentist can accomplish what you want. Look for cosmetic dentists accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.

Before and after dental implant photos for a missing front tooth, from Dr. Lesage of Beverly Hills

Dr. LeSage restored this patient’s missing tooth with a dental implant crown

My Bite Is Off After Getting New Dental Crowns and Fillings

Posted on December 22, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist replaced a fused-to-metal crown with a ceramic one. She also replaced silver fillings with white ones. I have had the same dentist for five years with no problems. I chose her because she is the only holistic dentist within 75 miles of my home, and I work from home. My dentist used CAD/CAM technology to make my crown and cemented it without checking my bite. Unfortunately, my bite was off, so she sanded the crown and asked me to tell her how it felt in a few days.

When I returned to the office the next week with no improvement, my dentist sanded the tooth in front of the crown and two front teeth. A dental assistant worked on my teeth while my dentist saw other patients. My bite was still off, so my dentist said I needed to see an orthodontist. None of these problems existed before my dentist replaced the crowns and fillings.

Last week, I got a second opinion. The dentist said the crown was too high and too small. He would need to replace it and build up the teeth that my dentist and assistant sanded down. The dentist also mentioned that Invisalign might help.

I do not trust my dentist or the dentist who gave me the second opinion because I am unsure whether he sees me as an opportunity to get money. I would rather get a temporary crown and take time to think this through, but who do I trust for that? – Thank you. Lylah from NY

Lylah,

We are sorry you have experienced so many disappointments while trying to get metal-free and mercury-free solutions to preserve your teeth.

Should You Switch Dentists?

If your dentist cannot restore your teeth correctly, consider switching. Many dentists who do not advertise as holistic respect patients’ rights and needs for mercury-free or metal-free options. They are also alert to chemical sensitivities and other factors that can affect the quality of your care.

Your dentist violated the standard of care by giving you faulty tooth restorations and damaging your natural teeth while adjusting your bite. You have grounds for contacting the state dental board and an attorney.

Does CAD/CAD Technology Produce Faulty Crowns?

Many dentists use CAD/CAM technology and complete dental crowns. Digital impressions are more accurate than physical impressions. However, building a high-quality crown requires a trained, skilled dentist to direct the equipment. A dentist must also understand how to adjust a patient’s bite before cementing a crown.

Request a Consultation

Look for one or two highly skilled dentists sensitive to patients’ requests for biocompatible dental materials and advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry training. Schedule a consultation with each dentist to discuss your treatment options. The dentist may be willing to explain what you must do to get a refund or compensation from your previous dentist.

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post.

Do I Need Dental Crowns to Get Whiter Teeth?

Posted on February 13, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Last month, my dentist recommended full-mouth reconstruction on all my upper and lower teeth. I already have two crowns and three veneers. My gums are receding above the crowns, and I have a dry mouth. I asked my dentist for teeth whitening, but he said that replacing the crowns and veneers with all crowns is best. He hasn’t addressed my dry mouth for the past few years, though. Why would I need crowns on all my teeth? I wasn’t expecting the recommendation, nor could I afford it. Thank you. Karleigh from San Jose

Karleigh,

We encourage you to switch to a skilled dentist and avoid aggressive treatment.

Are Dental Crowns the Solution for Whiter Teeth?

Dental crowns are not a solution for whiter teeth; teeth bleaching is the treatment of choice. Few dentists have full-mouth reconstruction skills; unless your teeth are otherwise unsavable, you should avoid rebuilding your teeth. Full-mouth reconstruction can change your bite, speech, and facial appearance. If a dentist doesn’t understand how to harmonize your occlusion and bite, it can lead to lip incompetence, TMJ concerns, and poor oral health.

Do You Need to Replace Porcelain Veneers with Crowns?

You do not need to replace porcelain veneers with crowns unless teeth are tooth-damaged or decayed for porcelain veneers to bond to them. Even so, a skilled cosmetic dentist will determine whether you qualify for a porcelain onlay to preserve as much tooth structure as possible. Replacing a porcelain veneer with a dental crown requires grinding the tooth on all sides to ensure the crown fits over it. For other concerns about porcelain veneers, see our post, How to Get Porcelain Veneers Without Regrets.

What Is Causing Dry Mouth?

A medical condition, stress, or a misaligned bite can cause dry mouth. Allowing a dentist to complete unnecessary full-mouth reconstruction can increase your dry-mouth symptoms. We recommend consulting an advanced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist for an exam and digital X-rays. The dentist will evaluate your teeth’ condition and suggest teeth whitening treatment without using dental crowns.

Dr. Brian LeSage, an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, sponsors this post. See examples of Dr. LeSage’s work in his smile gallery.

Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD