Dental care is definitely not cheap, and a lot of Canadians have to pay out of pocket for their dental needs. High dental costs mean that many Canadians can’t even afford to see a dentist.
If you’ve had temporary crowns put in, and you don’t like how they look, it can quickly start to feel like you’re paying a high price for a disappointing result.
Are you feeling concerned about temporary crowns that look horrible? If so, you’re probably nervous that the permanent ones might look just as bad.
If a temporary crown looks weird, this doesn’t automatically mean that the permanent ones won’t look good. However, you don’t have to keep quiet and hope for the best.
Keep reading to find out what to do if you don’t like the look of your temporary crowns.
What Do Temporary Crowns Look Like?
Before you panic and assume your dentist is doing a subpar job, it’s important to realize that temporary crowns don’t usually look as realistic as permanent dental crowns.
Temporary crowns are typically made out of plastic or metal. Temporary crowns aren’t meant to last more than a few weeks or a couple of months at most. Plastic and metal are cost-effective materials that will do the job temporarily, but they can’t compare to the look of permanent crowns.
Temporary crowns also aren’t engineered to match the size and color of your existing teeth. They are merely a placeholder. A one-size-fits-all solution to temporarily cap your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Permanent crowns, on the other hand, come from a mold of your exact tooth. Good dentists will match the crown to the specific color of your other teeth. The crown will then seamlessly blend in and look as realistic as possible.
If your temporary crown is too white, you probably needn’t worry too much. Any good dentist will try to make sure that the permanent version is an exact match to the color of your surrounding teeth.
Finally, permanent crowns consist of durable materials which can more realistically mimic the look of real teeth, such as ceramic, resin, and porcelain.
One of the reasons why temporary crows can look strange is because natural teeth have a certain level of translucence. This subtle translucence can only be mimicked through specific materials and precise formulation in the lab.
Speak to Your Dentist About It
If your temporary crown looks weird, and you’re worried about it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t speak to your dentist.
The easiest time to do this is right after the temporary crown comes on. But, it might take you a few days to realize your temporary crowns look horrible. If so, you can always contact the dentist’s office and request to discuss this with the dentist.
Once you have raised your concerns, your dentist will probably walk you through what happens with your permanent crown to ensure it looks as real and natural as possible.
They will likely explain the color matching process to you, outline what materials are going into your permanent crown, and detail how these materials will look more realistic than the temporary crown can.
If you’re really unhappy with the look of a temporary crown, and you’re feeling stressed about what the final result will be, speaking to your dentist will probably put your mind at rest.
This is especially important if your front teeth temporary crowns look horrible. A crown at the back of your mouth isn’t that noticeable, but your front teeth are continually on display. If a dentist does a bad, unrealistic crown, you’ll be stuck with the results for years to come.
By chatting to your dentist you can feel out whether they place a lot of importance on the final cosmetic outcome of the crowns they do.
Look for Another Dentist if Your Current One Doesn’t Offer You Any Info
If your dentist can reassure you and explain exactly why and how the permanent crown will look better and more realistic, then you’re probably in good hands.
Alternatively, if the dentist doesn’t seem to think there’s anything wrong with the way your temporary crown looks and gives you the impression that the permanent one won’t be a lot better—it might be time to get a second opinion.
Most dentists adhere to stringent practices and pay a lot of attention to the final aesthetic results of their dental work. But, there’s always a slim chance that you’re dealing with a dentist who’s behind the times, or doesn’t employ the latest practices.
If this is the case, it’s probably a good idea to get a second opinion from a different dentist. They’ll be able to offer you tailored advice. If they confirm your worries about your current dentist—you can even consider switching dentists halfway through the crown process.
This might involve a little more hassle and expense, but it could be worthwhile in the long run. After all, you’re the one who’ll be left with the final results, not the dentist.
If you absolutely hate your new crown, this can impact how often you smile and your self-confidence levels. Research has shown that the mere act of smiling can make us happy, so put your happiness first whatever you do.
Double-Check Your Permanent Crowns Before They Get Cemented
Here is a final tip if your temporary crowns look horrible and you’re worried about the permanent ones. When you go for your final appointment, ask to see your final crowns on your teeth in the mirror before they get cemented.
Take your time and have a good look. Nine times out ten they’ll probably be perfect, but if you aren’t happy for whatever reason, speak up and let the dentist know.
Are You Concerned About Your Temporary Crowns?
Temporary crowns never look as good as permanent crowns. They aren’t taken from a mold of your tooth, and they’re comprised of inferior materials that can’t mimic the look of natural teeth perfectly.
However, if your temporary crowns look really bad, there’s no harm in raising your concerns with your dentist.
Are you worried about what your crowns will look like? If so, the best thing to do is pick out a dentist that focuses on delivering pristine, perfect results, and sending patients away with beautiful smiles.
Contact us today to discuss your dental needs and concerns.
