I need some help. I had a gap between my two front teeth which bothered me. To fix that, my dentist did six porcelain crowns. Ever since then, I’ve been miserable. I can’t speak properly, my neck and head hurt, and my mouth is seriously dry. Could all this occur just because I closed a tooth gap?  Can it be fixed?

Amy

Dear Amy,

The problem you are facing here isn’t the gap being closed. It’s actually the fact that your dentist isn’t skilled in cosmetic work. First, the solution he chose is a massive overtreatment for gapped teeth. The traditional treatment for a gap between two teeth is to have dental bonding done. This closes the gap without removing tooth structure.

Also, the fact that he did six of them for one gap, tells me he wasn’t sure how to match them to your natural tooth structure so he just replaced all the visible ones. However, you’ve got a problem much more serious than overtreatment. I suspect two very serious things have happened.

First, I believe he opened up your bite too much, which is leading to the neck and head pain you’re experiencing. Second, I believe he has your crowns too which has likely left you unable to naturally close your lips.

The first issue can lead to massive TMJ problems. The second will lead to large amounts of decay. When your mouth is dry, as it will be if you can’t close your lips naturally, it decreases your saliva. Our saliva is loaded with minerals which wash our teeth and fight the bacteria which leads to decay.

Getting a Cosmetic Dentistry Disaster Fixed

This has to be fixed. I’m going to recommend you see one of the recommended dentists on the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend excellent cosmetic dentists who can help you get a refund from your dentist and then re-do your case properly. However, I want you to look for one other qualification.

You may want to call the Spear Study Club and see who they have which are also on the list I mentioned above. Those who participate in this study club invest a great deal of time in doing advanced restorative work. They can make sure your bite gets restored not just beautifully, but with proper function as well.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Imam.