Tag Archives: Saturday dentist

CEREC crowns

Open Margins on CEREC Crowns

I had three CEREC crowns made. I don’t feel like they are fitting well and I’m think there are open margins. There are radiolucent images that seem to support this but my dentist is telling me that those are radiographic burnout. Can you verify that?

James

Dear James,

block of porcelain for a cerec crown.

I can verify it with any definitive answer without examining you. CEREC crowns are usually more accurately fit than traditional ones because they are milled by a machine that designs the crown based on sophisticated software. Even so, it is still possible for a dentist to place them with open margins.

I can tell you that radiographic burnout is possible. A cleaner x-ray and running an explorer around the margins should tell you with certainty.

It doesn’t sound like you have much faith in your dentist to tell you the truth. This is a problem. You really do need a dentist that you can trust and feel is ethical. I would get a second opinion from another dentist. Make it a blind second opinion. By that I mean do not tell them who your dentist is or tell them anything about the radiolucent image.

The dental field is a small universe and it is very likely your dentists know each other. He or she may feel torn about saying your dentist messed up if they know who they are. If they ask, just tell them you want an unbiased opinion so just to look at the crowns and ask if there are open margins.

If it turns out that you do have open margins, then I would start looking for an ethical dentist who does quality work. Check out their reviews online. That can often be a way to weed out those whose patients have had bad experiences with them.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly dentist at Libertyville, IL Dr. Matt Roper.
Open Saturdays by appointment.

Invisalign

Can a Dental Flipper Make My Teeth Look Straight?

I want to have straight-looking teeth but am way too old for braces. I was thinking that I could get a dental flipper that could make my teeth look straight if I put it on top of them.

Tracey

Dear Tracey,

A dental flipper
A dental flipper

I think you may be confusing a dental flipper for something like a Snap-on Smile. A dental flipper is a temporary tooth replacement. It doesn’t cover your teeth as much as just fill in an empty spot while you save up for a more permanent tooth replacement.

Snap-on Smile, on the other hand, will fit over your teeth. However, you need to be aware of their limitations. First, it is made of Acrylic. It will look okay at a distance, but not as natural when people see them close up. Second, it will not last very long just about two to three years. If you are okay with those limitations, you can see a dentist to get started. However, I have an alternative you may want to consider.

Invisalign: The Modern Alternative to Braces

Invisalign versus braces
Traditional Braces versus Invisalign

You don’t have to get traditional braces with their metal wires and brackets anymore. These days, Invisalign is a great option. Instead of using metal, it uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. You can get your teeth straightened without anyone ever knowing.

There is also a hidden benefit to using these clear aligners. Not only will you get your teeth straightened, but the aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. This will enable you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time, giving you a mini smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.
We are open on Saturdays.