Many people have false teeth and are concerned about them being loose, wobbly or unstable. Dentures need plenty of loving care and attention in order to keep them in the best condition and serving you well… This article takes a look at all of your denture care needs, how to fix loose dentures and answer some of the top questions people ask when they have false teeth.
False teeth and mouth sores
Dentures can unfortunately sometimes cause mouth sores, this is particularly true on fall lower dentures where there is a tendency for the denture to slide around over your gums. The real secret to preventing mouth sores is to ensure your dentures fit exceptionally well.
How to Ensure Your Dentures Fit
there are 2 secrets to getting dentures to fit really well:
Accuracy at the beginning
Maintenance
How well a denture fits when you have originally fitted is dependent upon multiple factors including the skills of the dentist, the accuracy of the impression that was sent to the laboratory and the skills of the technician. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for and cheap dentures can often be more trouble than they are worth in the long run.
In order for dentures to be really accurate at the beginning the communication between the dentist and the technician needs to be excellent, this is why many dentists work closely with a clinical dental technician.
A clinical dental technician has undertaken an extensive amount of additional training to enable them to work directly with the patient, this means a clinical technician can have a discussion with you, take impressions, try in the denture at an early stage and then manufacture the denture themselves.
This means any chance of miscommunication is eradicated and you deal directly with the person making your dentures, in our opinion this is one of the best ways to have the best fitting and longest lasting dentures.
Meet our clinical dental technician
Kevin Thomas – Clinical Technician Dip Clin Dent Tech RCS Eng 2011, Certification in Dental Technology City & Guilds 1979
GDC No. 145573
Maintenance is also incredibly important.
Your dentures will not change shape overtime but the gums on which they sit will. As we age, jaw bone changes shape and the gum changes with it. This is particularly true if you have had teeth extracted.
This means that whilst your denture may fit perfectly at the beginning your dentures can become loose overtime. This is not because the denture has changed, it is because you’re gums have.
This is why your dentist or clinical dental technician may recommend a periodic reline, a reline is exactly as the name suggests… It is creating a new fitting surface for your denture. The part of your denture that you see remains exactly the same but a new fitting surface is created which takes up any space that has developed due to the changing shape of your gum.
A reline of an existing denture will fill in these spaces to ensure the denture fits better and reduce the likelihood of mouth sores.Continue reading →
When your dentist undertakes complex treatments such as dental implants and they will often want to know what lies beneath the surface of your gums and teeth, this is where a CT scan comes into its own.
CT stands for computerised tomography, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computerised Tomography) scanner is a specially designed machine that uses x-rays in a cone beam, typically used for medical imaging.
A CT scan creates a series of x-ray images with superior image quality, these images are then pieced together using advanced computerised technology to form a series of slices. Your dentist can then view the internal structures of your head, face and neck in 3 dimensions and with a high degree of accuracy.
A CBCT scanner, such as the ones used in dentistry typically emit a lower level of radiation than the larger scale CT scans found in your hospital outpatient department.
What can be seen on a CT scan?
Your dentist will be able to accurately plot the location of the bony structures around your face, nasal cavity and sinuses. This allows them to evaluate any ongoing disease and also to plan for surgical treatments. A dental Cone Beam scanner doesn’t have quite as much detail as an outpatient CT scan and therefore cannot be used to evaluate soft tissue structures like muscles, lymph nodes, nerves and glands.
Why does my dentist need me to have a CBCT scan?
With Cone Beam scanner is becoming more affordable there are more and more dental practices now acquiring this advanced piece of equipment, they use it primarily for the following purposes:
To plan accurate placement of dental implant prior to surgery.
Evaluation of bone quantity prior to dental implant placement, particularly with regards to sinus location and determination of possible grafting/sinus lift treatments.
Evaluation and location of vital nerve canals prior to dental implant placement.
Planning of surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.
locating and identifying pathological origins of chronic pain.
How to prepare for a dental CT scan
You will be pleased to hear that there is very little preparation required for a dental CT scan.
Your dentist will need to have a clear view of your head, face and neck during the scan, any item which could interfere with the image needs to be removed, this includes:
Earrings.
Tongue piercings.
Nose piercings.
Facial piercings.
Necklaces.
Spectacles.
Hearing aids.
Hair grips or pins.
Removable dental appliances (see notes below).
NOTE: We recommend that you don’t come to the dentist wearing any of the above items APART FROM removable dental appliances, please wear these to your appointment as the scan may be required with the appliance in.
What will happen during a CBCT scan?
Unlike outpatient CT scans at a hospital where you lie down, a dental scan is usually done with you standing.
You simply stand in a marked area in front of the scanner, you hold onto the bars in front of you and then guides will be put in place to hold your head stationary.
The scanner then rotates around your head taking a whole series of images which the software then rearranges into a 3-D x-ray.
The whole process takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive.
Dental CT scan risks
How safe are dental X-rays?
Dental Cone Beam CT scan is have a far lower radiation dose than conventional CT scans that you would receive in hospital department, they do however have a higher level of x-ray radiation than you would usually receive from a standard x-ray. Your dentist will therefore try to keep the number of scans you have to a minimum.
It’s worth noting that older patients (patients over 60) have a lower risk of radiation exposure as their older teeth use are less sensitive to the effects.
If you are pregnant you should also mention this to your dentist as they can then modify the scan or make alternative arrangements.
Can a CT scan cause cancer?
A single or limited number of CT scans are highly unlikely to cause cancer as the radiation dose is not high enough. This is particularly true with adults and older people.
If you have had recent CT scans you should mention this to your dentist so that they can take the dose into account when deciding when and if you should have a further CBCT scan.
How does metal affect a CT scan?
X-rays work by travelling through objects and then creating an image of varying densities. The denser the matter the x-rays trying to go through the darker the image comes out on the x-ray. Soft tissues therefore virtually imperceptible where as bone comes out as a white area. Because metal does not allow x-rays through they can obscure the bone (which your dentist needs to see) behind the metal structure.
For this reason, jewellery and any other metal object should be removed from the head, face and neck pry tourists can if at all possible.
Can you wear full plastic dentures during a neck CT scan?
There should not be any negative effect on the CT image if you wear full plastic dentures. You may however sometimes be asked to remove the dentures prior to the CT scan, it really depends on what type of image your dentist is looking for.
If you wear full dentures it is advisable to discuss this with your dentist and remember, they are used to seeing you without any teeth in!
How is a CBCT used for dental implants?
A CT scan is used in the diagnostic phases of dental implants, many of the Cone Beam scanner software installations communicate directly with dental implant planning software applications and platforms. This allows your dentist to virtually place a dental implant prior to the surgical phase, all done on the computer..
Dental implants come in a variety of lengths and widths and using the CT scan 3-D images your dentist can plan the precise length and width of each implant with absolute clarity and precision.
In some instances the resultant CT scanning can then be exported to CADCAM software which can then provide a dentist with a physical implant guide. This implant guide will fit over your existing teeth and have a hole through which the dental implant will be placed, this hole will be at the precise angle that the dentist needs to drill in order to place the dental implant.
This makes planning and treatment of dental implants highly accurate.
CBCT scans in Solihull
Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic are proud to announce that they have now purchased a Cone Beam scanner. The scanner will be used for a range of diagnostic purposes including complex orthodontics, pain, dental implants and jaw joint problems.
Do you have dentures that currently move around when you eat?
Then full mouth dental implants could be an option for you. Full mouth dental implants can be used to either replace a full set of missing teeth with a fixed bridge or stabilise an existing loose or wobbly denture.
Why do people get dental implants?
We’ve written before about the consequences of not replacing missing teeth . With full mouth dental implants many people consider dentures first, however there are a few advantages of having traditional implants rather than just a simple denture.
Dental implants can support the bone in the area where teeth have been lost thereby reducing the amount of bone resorption.
Implants provide a rigid basis on which to create a brand-new set of teeth, whether this be a denture or dental bridge.
Because they have a more rigid base it makes eating far easier.
Because implant restorations are more stable than basic dentures it means there is less chance of embarrassment that is sometimes caused when a regular dentures move about during smiling or talking.
What are full mouth implants?
Dental implants themselves don’t actually restore any teeth at all, the implants provide a substructure or frame on which to support the teeth that you see. Depending on the number of implants (substructures) used governs the way that you’re missing teeth are replaced.
Here’s a simple list of what full mouth implants are and how they might be used:
2-4 Dental implants – 2 would usually be the minimum required in order to replace all of your teeth. Usually the implants would be placed where your eye teeth were (canines), these implants would support little pop studs which would stick up on your gums (the dental implants would be completely concealed within your gums). A full denture would then click onto these pop studs.
4-6 Implants – if you had more dental implants fitted then you may be able to have a fixed bridge. This is where the dentist screws a fixed bridge made of either metal and porcelain or zirconia onto the dental implant heads. You won’t be up to remove the bridge yourself but it can be removed by the dentist for regular maintenance.
What we describe here is a very basic summary of full mouth dental implants, there are other slight modifications to the techniques above depending upon your exact clinical situation.
What are the pros and cons of dental implants?
Full mouth dental implant pros:
They support the surrounding bone and can prevent bone resorption.
They support the final restoration to ensure it stays in rigidly during eating, smiling and in everyday life.
Full mouth dental implant cons:
Can need more maintenance than regular denture.
Will almost certainly be more expensive in the short term than a regular denture.
The process for having full mouth dental implants
The process for having a full mouth dental implant treatment will vary significantly depending on your exact situation. The dental implant procedure will often be undertaken by a range of healthcare professionals including, but not limited to:
Your referring dentist (sometimes this dentist may place the implants themselves).
The dental implant dentist.
A periodontics specialist who may perform more specialised bone grafting procedures.
A dental laboratory who will be making the implant retained which or denture.
The dental implant manufacturer who may get involved in the design and planning stage to work out which implant from their range is best.
A dental hygienist that will help you with post operative care to help you clean and maintain a dental implant.
All of these people work together, sometimes in different dental clinics to ensure you have the best dental care. The procedure will, however usually be along the following lines:
Initial impressions of the top and bottom to work out the relationship between the jaws and begin diagnostic stages.
Possible CT scan in order to work out position, density and quality of the bone.
Possible computer aided design stages to work out where the implants are going to be.
Bite registration in order to work out the relationship and distance between the top and bottom jaw.
Mock up of how you may look once the implants are placed.
Creation of a surgical spent from the mockup in order to guide the dental implant surgeon to place the implants in the right place.
Dental implant surgery to put the dental implants into your mouth.
Healing phase, anywhere between three and six months.
Checking of the mockup to ensure that everything is okay.
Construction of the final dental bridge or denture. This process may take a month or so depending upon the complexity.
Various tryings of the final bridge or denture throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that each stage is accurate prior to proceeding to the next. Then maybe three or four different stages and visits to the surgery during this process.
Final fitting of the final bridge or denture (false teeth).
Follow-up to ensure everything is okay.
How long does it take for dental implants?
It can often take a year from initial discussion to final restoration to have a full mouth dental implant bridge or denture so it’s worth beginning the process as early as you can.
What are the alternative options?
The first option in any situation within dentistry is to do nothing, this is sometimes the best option depending upon your situation. However, if you know that you want to restore a full mouth of missing teeth then the options are usually:
A dental bridge fixed and fully supported on the implants.
A denture which clicks into the mouth on the implants.
A hybrid. This can often be a bar which sits in your mouth and is permanently fitted to the implants. Over the top of this bar clips a removable bridge.
The cost of full mouth dental implants
And so, we come on to the thrust of this blog post which is about the cost of dental implants. As you can see there are a wide range of alternatives and possibilities. You may need to have extensive bone grafting or treatments such as a sinus lift in order to create enough bone in which to place the dental implant. These are additional surgical treatments which is difficult to give prices for at the beginning as it depends upon the complexity.
As a general guide, the cost of full mouth dental implants in the UK will be along the following lines:
Initial dental implant consultation £100
initial diagnostic stages for study models and x-rays £100
bone grafting from £500
Full denture retained by two implants from £3500
Fixed full arch bridge from £9000
As you can see the treatment is not especially cheap however, consider it against the cost of a car.
Your teeth are used 100% of the time. These are not only used whilst you are eating, they are used to keep your face supported to keep you looking good. Many people also use their teeth at night as they grind.
Most people would consider finance to purchase a car and indeed finances usually available for dental implants also, making them and affordable option for many people.
We do hope you have found this in-depth blog post about the cost of full mouth dental implants both informative and educational, please do let us know your comments below.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are many options to choose from. Your dentist will probably present you with two main options to choose from; bridges or dental implant-supported prostheses. Deciding the right type of tooth replacement option which fulfills your aesthetic and functional requirements, while considering your budgetary constraints is a difficult task for many patients. This article tells everything you need to know about the difference between dental bridges and implants.
What are Dental Bridges?
Bridges are fixed appliances which are used for replacing one or more adjacent missing teeth. Dental bridges consist of abutment crowns which are attached to the natural teeth or dental implants which support the bridge. The missing tooth gap is restored by using porcelain crowns or pontics, one for each missing tooth which are attached to the abutment crowns on both sides. Since the bridges remain fixed to the teeth, they provide superior dental function and esthetics in comparison to the conventional removable dentures.
There are also other types of dental bridges known as Maryland bridges. These have a small wing rather than a full apartment tooth, the wings sticks on the inside of the teeth either side of the gap.
Maryland bridges can be made from metal or could also be made from zirconia using modern CADCAM techniques.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a metallic fixture which is surgically inserted within the jaw bone and they serve as replacement roots, these then hold the replacement tooth. After implant surgery and once an implant has become fully anchored within the bone (Osseo-integrated), missing teeth are replaced by attaching a suitable false tooth such as an overdenture, a fixed bridge or a complete denture.
Understanding the Difference Between Dental Bridges and Implants
To understand the difference between both these tooth replacement options, it’s best to make a comparison of their properties:
Aesthetics – in terms of aesthetics, dental implant-supported prostheses offer superior, rather lifelike esthetics as higher quality
Durability – dental implants are made from high-quality titanium alloys which are strong and durable. In fact, with proper care, dental implant supported prostheses can remain functional for a lifetime. On the other hand, dental bridges have a shorter lifespan as they are made from less durable alloys, and due to the fact that they depend on the adjacent teeth for support.
Function – being fixed prostheses, both traditional bridges, and dental implants sufficiently restore dental function in terms of speech and chewing efficiency. However, dental implants provide superior functionality since they are directly anchored in the bone, and they firmly support the false teeth.
Cost – naturally, replacing teeth with dental implants cost more than with bridges. Dental implants may also require additional surgical techniques such as bone grafting in order to ensure there is enough bone for the implant to be stable.
Conservation – for replacing teeth with bridges, supporting natural teeth on both sides need to be trimmed slightly to create room for the prosthesis. As a consequence, healthy tooth structure has to be sacrificed. This is not the problem with implants, as they are directly placed inside the bone. Therefore, they preserve the adjacent teeth and underlying jaw bone.
Both dental implants and dental bridges can be made from a range of materials including metal or porcelain.
Choosing the right tooth replacement option is not easy. Many factors such as aesthetics, function, durability, and cost need to be considered. However, your dentist is the best person to guide you about the option which is right for you.
A very common question we are often asked in our Solihull dental practice is what does a dental hygienist actually do at the dentist? It’s a great question, people often think that hygienists are a simple ruse to get people to spend more money, it’s actually quite the opposite!
Your dental hygienist can undertake a wide range of therapies and treatments such as:
Carrying out a clinical examination.
Completing a periodontal examination and charting of periodontal disease (Known as a basic periodontal examination, BPE).
Prescribing and interpreting various forms of radiographs.
Provide preventative oral care and liaising with the dentist over the treatment of caries, periodontal disease and tooth wear.
Undertake cleaning above the gum margin and deep cleaning below the gum margin.
The dental hygienist works in close corporation with the dentist and with the changes in the law can now also see new patients without having a dentist on-site or under the prescription of a dentist.
The benefits to you as a patient are that you have the best form of oral healthcare advice and treatments, often at a lower rate than you would pay at the general dentist.
What follows is our in-depth dental hygiene question and answers looking through some of the most common questions people ask at the hygienist.
How does the hygienist clean your teeth
The dental hygienist will use a range of techniques, instruments and materials to clean your teeth. Including:
Local anaesthetics to numb any areas where deep cleaning may be required.
Intra oral cameras too view areas at the back of your teeth, photograph and then discuss with you as required.
X-rays to see what is happening below the gum margin and make appropriate treatment choices.
Various instruments to scrape away tartar, called a prophylaxis.
Ultrasonic cleaners which used high-frequency sound waves in conjunction with water to remove part in difficult to reach areas.
Floss and interdental brushes to clean between your teeth.
Various rotating brushes and polishes to polish and clean your teeth.
What does plaque look like on your teeth?
Plaque is a natural biofilm made up of millions of bacteria which live in your mouth, plaque is a sticky layer which adheres to the surface of your teeth and is not immediately visible. Disclosing tablets can help to stain the plaque a contrasting colour so you can see where it is on your teeth.
If plaque is not removed daily it can build up and harden into tartar, this is a creamy/yellow hard buildup which forms in between your teeth. Tarter is far more visible than plaque and is a sign that the plaque is not been removed adequately.
Can plaque fall off your teeth?
Because plaque is the sticky layer which forms of your teeth it cannot fall off. When plaque hardens it becomes tartar in between your teeth, this also is stuck to your teeth and will not fall off naturally. If left unchecked tartar will build up, irritate your gums and caused bleeding, this can result in dental decay, loss of bone and ultimately tooth loss.
How long does it take for plaque to form on your teeth?
Plaque forms on your teeth in a matter of hours which is why it’s important to clean your teeth at least twice per day, plus using a fluoride containing mouthwash in between teeth brushing. This helps to keep your teeth and as free from plaque as possible throughout the day.
How can I scrape plaque off my teeth?
The advice of any dental professional will be to not attempt to clean the plaque or tartar off of your teeth by scraping. Using a toothbrush with a fluoride containing toothpaste twice per day will help to keep the sticky plaque levels down. If you do this in conjunction with interdental brushing flossing this will prevent plaque from hardening into the tartar between your teeth.
If you attempt to remove this hard tartar by scraping at home you stand a high chance of damaging your delicate gum area.
Is scaling a painful procedure?
Scaling is not generally a painful procedure although it can be sometimes uncomfortable. Your dental hygienist will need to clean just below the gum line of your teeth, this is the part which can feel more uncomfortable. Should you require deep scaling below the surface of your teeth then a local analgesia will be given by the hygienist.
How long does it take to recover from deep cleaning?
The oral environment is a perfect environment for healing and you will find the wounds in your mouth heal very quickly. It therefore doesn’t take long to fully recover from deep scaling, you should see a noticeable improvement in 5 or 6 days after the scaling procedure.
You will usually find that you have a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks with the hygienist to check on progress.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
No, a cavity is caused when the tooth starts to rot and decay. This decaying results in a loss of tooth structure which will not be rebuilt on its own. Once decay starts and is through the hard enamel outer layer of your tooth and into the softer dentine on the inside of your tooth it can progress rapidly.
Visiting your dentist and hygienist regularly will ensure that any early warning signs of decay are spotted, this early decay can then be filled to prevent it worsening, this also saves you money as any filling will be much smaller.
Summary
Now that you know more about what the dental hygienist does we highly recommend that you visit your local hygienist at least twice per year to keep your dental health in the best condition possible.
[Warning: This post contains images of oral cancer, these are located at the end of this article]
Cancer research UK indicates that the incidence of mouth cancer is due to rise by 33% in the UK until 2035. The incident rate of cancer in 2035 is likely to be 20 cases per 100,000 people. At the last count in 2014 mouth cancer represented 3% of all new cancer cases in the UK.
What’s interesting to know is that mouth cancer can be one of the most treatable cancers if caught in the early stages, your dentist should be routinely performing an oral cancer screening at each of your dental health checks every six months, this greatly increases the chances of catching any oral cancer at an early stage.
Mouth cancer symptoms
Mouth cancer can appear in any part of your mouth including the floor of your mouth, roof, cheeks and gums. It can appear as a red (erythroplakia) or white patch (leukoplakia), persistent ulcers which refused to heal or as unusual lumps and swellings.
If you have any of these symptoms which do not heal within three weeks we recommend visiting your dentist.
If in doubt, get checked out.
Causes of mouth cancer
As with most cancers, mouth cancer is indiscriminate with age and gender although it is most common in men over 40.
The major causes of mouth cancer include:
Smoking
Tobacco abuse, particularly chewing tobacco in any of its many forms.
Alcohol abuse
Tobacco and alcohol abuse greatly increase the risk of oral cancer is consumed together.
Over exposure to sunlight around the lips.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), typically spread through oral sex. Current research suggests this could soon rival Tobacco and alcohol is one of the main causes of mouth cancer.
mouth cancer from smoking
This is a common search term and people are often asking about mouth cancer from smoking, smoking does indeed dramatically increase the risk of mouth cancer, particularly if alcohol is consumed at the same time.
For men diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 mouth cancer:
more than 90 out of 100 (more than 90%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more
around 80 out of 100 (around 80%) survive their cancer for 3 years or more
For women diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 mouth cancer:
around 95 out of 100 (around 95%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more
more than 80 out of 100 (more than 80%) survive their cancer for 3 years or more
For men diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 mouth cancer:
almost 70 out of 100 (almost 70%) survive their cancer for a year or more
almost 50 out of 100 (almost 50%) survive their cancer for 3 years or more
For women diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 cancer:
around 65 out of 100 (around 65%) survive their cancer for a year or more
almost 50 out of 100 (almost 50%) survive their cancer for 3 years or more
Mouth cancer detection
Mouth cancer detection can start at home, we’ve written a 7 point Self examination guide for oral cancer, this is a free resource which can be downloaded here.
Your dentist is trained to spot a mouth cancer lump and to identify the red or white areas in your mouth which could be the early tell-tale signs of mouth cancer.
Early detection is key to the treatment of mouth cancer, if you self examine regularly, visit the dentist every six months and act on any examination then the chances of oral cancer progressing undetected are limited.
Mouth cancer treatment
Treatment will vary depending on your specific type of cancer and its location, Cancer research UK indicate that between 32 and 75% of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers have surgery to remove the tumour as part of their primary treatment. Between 43 and 85% of patients also have radiotherapy as part of their primary care.
Oral cancer statistics
mouth cancer is most common in men over 40
mouth cancer incidence is rising, particularly in younger patients and women
7000 new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year
2000 people in the UK die from mouth cancer each year, yet many of these deaths could be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment
30% of mouth cancers are caused by drinking alcohol, UK guidelines are suggested at a maximum of 14 units of alcohol a week (statistics according to Cancer research UK)
60% of mouth cancers are caused by smoking
you cannot catch oral cancer however human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus which can cause cell changes making them more likely to become cancerous in the future
Information on oral cancer – BE MOUTH AWARE
Image source: mouthcancer.org/are-you-mouthaware/
Mouth cancer images
The following images are not an exhaustive list of all types of mouth cancer, they simply show what the white and red spots could typically look like on the lips and tongue. Always visit your dentist every six months as your dentist is trained to spot the widest range of oral cancer is at an early stage.
If you have older dental crowns you may notice a black line around the base of your tooth, as your desire for a more cosmetic and natural appearance grows you may begin to wonder what you can do about it?
What is the black line around the base of a crown?
The black line can be caused by one of two things:
Metal from the crown showing through
Shadow from the crown
Metal from the dental crown showing
image source: dental-picture-show.com
This is the most likely possibility. Underneath older style crowns is a layer of metal, usually gold alloy. These porcelain fused to metal crowns are one of the oldest types of dental crowns available and predate the more modern zirconia options. The metal framework was there to provide strength to the dental crown as the porcelain was inherently weak when under tension forces.
If there was no black line when the crown was fitted this is usually because the black line was hidden under the gum line at the time of fitting. Unfortunately, as we age our gum line moves and recedes… Hence the phrase ‘getting long in the tooth’.
If your gum has receded it may now be exposing the border between your dental crown and natural tooth and the black line from the metal is now visible.
Shadows around a crown
In sum, more rare occasions, the black line is an optical illusion caused by a poorly fitting dental crown which casts a shadow over the surrounding area. Typically these black lines are less prominent than the black lines caused by metal showing from the crown.
What can be done about the black lines on crowns?
Most of the time the only way to resolve this problem is to have new dental crowns made. These can then either be made to fit better than the original crowns, thereby eliminating the shadow or in a different material which doesn’t include the metal.
What materials can be used to make crowns?
One of the most modern materials used is zirconium oxide known as zirconia. Zirconium oxide is a naturally occurring mineral which, when processed into a dental crown is extremely hard and durable and resistant to fracture.
Before and after removal of black lines on dental crowns.
The following patient was unhappy with all of their top teeth and the black lines which were clearly visible. If you look closely in the before photograph you can see how much the gum has receded around the black lines, making them appear worse. When the crowns were originally fitted, chances are the gum covered the black lines and the black lines were not visible.
Before removal of black lines
After removal of black lines
After the new brighter, whiter, better fitting metal free crowns this patient was so delighted they wrote the following review.
‘My experience with Solihull Dental and Implant Centre was outstanding from the first consultation with Zubair and now after 6 years with my regular checkups, he has always given me the right advice. I felt from day one I was always in safe hands. I found that what I got from Zubair was a professional dentist at a very high standard with high quality workmanship and the after care to follow. As a very happy patient I would always recommend Zubair and his team.’
After removal of black lines
