About to get 6 crowns on top front teeth...

I never had an adult A10, so Ive had a bridge that was bonded to A9-A11 for the past 16 years (no damage done to my teeth) with a fake tooth.

With the fake tooth, I was never able to whiten my teeth, they are slightly yellow. In addition, my front teeth are crooked and A7 (which was slightly bonded when I had the bridge done) was a different color.

My dentist rec'd doing a crowned bridge, and the for cosmetic reasons, crowning individually the other front 3 teeth.  

I am 30 years old and nervous about permanently shaving down my teeth.  I have the normal concerns - what if they don't look natural, what if they break, etc.

Overall, I wasn't happy with my smile and the original bridge was supposed to be temporary (5 years).  I plan on brushing, flossing, etc regularly and taking care of the crowns, but the fear of a crown breaking and shaving my original teeth has me very apprehensive about the whole process.

Any words of wisdom?

[patriciat]

You may also ask if there is a possibility of having veneers placed on adjacent teeth in lieu of crowns and only bridge the initial teeth involved.  With the veneers there is not the cutting down of a tooth as that with a crown.  Veneers have come a long way and really can help when cosmetic defects are present.

Pat

[noteethsoon]

I'm 34 and need all crowns. My teeth have lost all enamel and are eroded and yellow (really attractive). If I want to have teeth 10 years from now, I need to have crowns. Over the years I brushed and flossed like mad, and the enamel just kept coming off. Frustrating. It's either spend my life savings on crowns now, or save up for dentures in a couple of years. I would agree that if at all possible, go for veneers. At least you'll have enamel and structure left on your tooth.

[patriciat]

Hopefully you are still not brushing aggressively.  Cause if you do get the crowns, you could also damage the gingiva and cause recession.  Then, if that happens, you have tooth exposed and the margins of the crowns will be visible.

Good luck.  I hope it all goes very well for you!

Pat

[Alan312]

I decided not to do it - I figure that this is def an option in the future, but at this point I wasn't ready to lose my natural teeth.  I had a Maryland bridge for 13 years that worked very well for me, and will see about getting an new one- though I know it isn't a permanent option it seems best for me now.

[patriciat]

One thing I did not mention.   I would recommend an electric toothbrush and too make sure you are not using a tartar control toothpaste.

With your history of aggressive brushing, an electric one can work for you.  Let it do the work!!  Use very light pressure. This operates at approx 40,000 rpm, so again let it do the work!!

If you brush and the bristles are bending...you are applying too much pressure, so be aware of that when brushing. You want to save any remaining enamel you can.

If you are a soda drinker ... Stop that as well. Soft drinks destroy tooth enamel. If you must have then, then always use a straw so it minimizes contact with your teeth.

Good luck
Pat