Tag Archives: tooth preparation

Dental Emergency

Porcelain Veneers Keep Coming Off

My dentist said that I needed porcelain veneers because my teeth were discolored, one was a bit crooked, and I would sometimes grind my teeth. The whole process has been a nightmare. They keep popping off, even if I’m eating something as simple as a banana. I would say not a week goes by when one of them doesn’t come off. It’s crazy embarrassing, especially because the only thing left is a small nub of a tooth under the veneer. He does glue them back on, but I usually have to wait a day or two to get in. I think he should consider it an emergency and glue it back in that day. Is this normal?

Penny

Dear Penny,

Crown versus veneer tooth preparation

No, this is not normal. It also sounds to me like your dentist provided you with dental crowns instead of porcelain veneers. Your teeth only have a minimum amount of surface of the front of the tooth removed for porcelain veneers. When you start talking about nubs, that sounds like dental crowns. You can see in the picture above the comparison of the two preparations.

Porcelain veneers are an advanced cosmetic procedure which requires significant post doctoral training to know how to do. Dental crowns, on the other hand, are taught to every dentist in dental school. Unfortunately, your dentist doesn’t even seem to know how to pull that off. My guess is (and please bear in mind that I haven’t examined you) that your dentist has over contoured these dental crowns and that is why they keep popping off.

If you’re grinding your teeth, you will need to wear a nightguard while you sleep to protect them, but that isn’t the problem with your crowns. When they are properly formed and bonded on they are secure. They certainly wouldn’t fall out from eating a banana. Yes, I agree with you that your dentist should fit you in the same day to bond that back on. Most dentists leave some room in their schedule for dental emergencies.

However, I think you need to have these crowns looked at by an expert cosmetic dentist. I’m concerned about the amount of crowns popping off. It may be you need these completely redone. If that is the case, don’t just ask for a refund. Ask for the dentist to pay to have this repaired by the dentist of your choice.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Help! My Crown Keeps Coming Out!

Hi there,

Last year, I had a same-day CEREC crown done on one of my teeth. I was happy with it at first, but since then, it has fallen out several times. Each time I go back to the dentist to get it fixed, but it always falls out again. Finally, I went to a different cosmetic dentist. He replaced the setting for the crown, and said that I should get a new all-porcelain crown, as it would stick to the cement better. I just want my tooth to stay put, like it’s supposed to. I’m not sure what else I can do.

Nephenee, from South Carolina

 

Hi Nephenee,

No matter what material your CEREC crown was made from, it will stay permanently once properly placed and bonded. Making a new crown will not fix the problem, as it is not the crown’s fault it keeps coming out.

Crowns need strong cement and to be properly shaped to stay in place. If your dentist over-prepared your crown and shaped it too much, no cement will be able to hold it in.

It’s likely your crown was prepared with inadequate retention form in mind. You will need a crown specialist to properly shape your tooth and cement it in place. Look for a dentist with experience in dental crowns, or another CEREC dentist in the area.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert CEREC crown provider, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.