I Got BL1 Shade Teeth and New Crowns That Are Yellowing

I found a dentist to brighten my teeth Hollywood white. I asked to replace my old crowns, too. We waited for the tooth color to settle, but the crowns don’t match and seem to be yellowing after just seven months.  I smile less often, and I’m embarrassed to smile. I wasted my money. My dentist says I shouldn’t have asked for super-white teeth. Reid from LA

Reid,

We understand that achieving the perfect shade for your dental crowns is crucial for your confidence and satisfaction with your smile. Let’s clarify some aspects of tooth color, especially extraordinarily bright shades.

Understanding Ultra-White Tooth Shades like BL1

Dentists often refer to specialized shade guides when discussing white teeth, especially after professional bleaching. For instance, the Ivoclar shade guide for bleached teeth includes shades like BL1, representing colors beyond the typical natural tooth range. Understanding these ultra-white shades is helpful when planning cosmetic dental work like crowns.

Here are a few key points about the BL1 shade to consider, particularly if you desire a very bright smile:

• Shade BL1 is noticeably whiter than what occurs naturally in unbleached teeth.
• You can often achieve a BL1 shade for your natural teeth through professional teeth whitening procedures.
• For a natural look, dentists recommend that if you choose BL1 crowns, you should also whiten all your visible natural teeth to match this shade first. Otherwise, super-white crowns next to darker natural teeth can look artificial.

Why Might Porcelain Crowns Change Color?

It can be concerning and disappointing if you notice your porcelain crowns start to look yellow or discolored over time. High-quality, intact dental porcelain is generally very resistant to staining and should maintain its original color for many years.

If your porcelain crowns appear to be turning yellow, specific factors are likely responsible rather than an issue with the porcelain material itself when it’s undamaged. Here are potential reasons why discoloration might occur:

• Material Composition: The crowns may not be entirely composed of high-quality dental porcelain. Authentic porcelain maintains its color stability exceptionally well if the surface remains intact.
• Glaze Damage: The smooth, protective outer layer on your crowns, known as the glaze, might have sustained damage. Specific dental procedures or substances can compromise this glaze, making the crown susceptible to staining. For example, acidulated fluoride treatments or abrasive power polishing equipment (sometimes used for cleaning) can roughen the glaze. A dental hygienist properly trained in caring for porcelain restorations will know to avoid these specific agents and techniques on your crowns.

We recommend scheduling an appointment for a second opinion with a cosmetic dentist with expertise in aesthetic restorations. The cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns thoroughly to identify the cause of the discoloration.

Please be assured that an experienced cosmetic dentist possesses the skills, artistic eye, and materials to create crowns, including those on dental implants, that match the BL1 shade of your whitened teeth, resulting in a seamless and beautiful smile.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read why patients agree that he is one of the best dentists in Rocky Hill.

I Regret Bypassing My Dentist and Going to the Lab for a New Partial Denture

I made the mistake of going directly to the lab for a new partial denture. I bypassed my dentist to save money. I have coworkers who use the same lab and have no problems. My partial denture is uncomfortable and too short. It rocks when I chew. The lab couldn’t fix it and told me I need my dentist’s impressions to fix it. Why would they agree to do it? I’m embarrassed. What should I do? Thanks. Karl from SC

Karl,

We understand that dealing with a partial denture that moves when you chew must be frustrating and uncomfortable. A secure and comfortable fit is essential for any dental appliance to function correctly and feel natural.

Creating a partial denture that fits precisely involves crucial steps a qualified dentist takes. Your dentist takes accurate impressions of your mouth and makes a detailed model of your teeth and gums. They use this information to design the denture and write a specific prescription, which they then send to a dental laboratory. A dentist’s guidelines ensure the lab technicians have the exact specifications to craft an appliance tailored to your unique oral anatomy.

Legally, dental laboratories in the United States cannot create partial dentures, complete dentures, or any other dental restoration directly for a patient without receiving a prescription from a licensed dentist. While you may have approached the lab directly to save money, the lab operates under these legal requirements and should have declined to make the denture without a dentist’s order. Because the lab professionals know these rules, the primary fault lies with them for proceeding without the necessary prescription and dental guidance. Lab technicians are skilled in fabricating appliances but do not take dental impressions or design restorations directly in a patient’s mouth; this expertise belongs to the dentist. Skipping the dentist’s essential diagnostic and design work leads to an inaccurate fit and the type of movement you are experiencing.

If you want a refund from the laboratory, you can inform them that making the appliance without a dentist’s prescription is illegal. Mention that you are prepared to report this violation to the state dental board. They will likely agree to refund your payment to avoid formal action.

After addressing the issue with the lab, we strongly encourage you to consult with your dentist or find a new dentist you feel comfortable with. They can take precise impressions and oversee the creation of a new partial denture that will fit correctly, feel comfortable, and remain stable when you chew.

What Is an Alternative to a Partial Denture?

As you think about replacing the ill-fitting partial denture, you may also want to learn about dental implants as an alternative solution for missing teeth. A dental implant is a small, artificial root (usually made of titanium) that a dentist surgically places into your jawbone, which integrates to support a replacement tooth.

Dental implants offer several advantages over partial dentures, which are worth considering, especially when it’s time for a replacement. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about your long-term dental health:

1. Durability: Dental implants can last 20 years or significantly longer with proper care, while partial dentures generally require replacement every five to seven years.
2. Self-Sufficiency: An implant supports a dental crown (the visible part of the replacement tooth) without relying on adjacent natural teeth for support, unlike partial dentures, which often use clasps on neighboring teeth.
3. Stability: Because the implant fuses directly with your jawbone, it provides a very stable foundation that does not move or shift when you chew or speak.
4. Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, helping maintain bone density over time.

If you want a more permanent and stable tooth replacement option, consider discussing dental implants with a dentist with implantology experience. They can evaluate your needs and oral health to determine if you could benefit from this advanced treatment.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.