My Dentist Is Retiring in the Middle of My Invisalign Treatment

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Hi. I’ve worn all but five sets of my Invisalign aligners. For unexpected reasons, my dentist must retire two years earlier than expected. He has referred his patients to two other dentists in town. I prefer not to see either dentist after my dentist retires in August. I have narrowed my choices to three dentists, but I don’t want to choose a dentist just because they are Invisalign certified. I am happy with the results of Invisalign, but I’m concerned about how my case will progress from here. Should this be a problem when I see a new dentist? – Nick from Lexington, KY

Nick,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Invisalign Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. You will be able to continue your Invisalign treatment with ease after your dentist retires. Your dentist has an ethical obligation to ensure a smooth transition to your new dentist. Even so, it will not be difficult for a dentist to provide whatever you need to continue your treatment. You can request a copy of your dental records before your dentist retires. Also, the Invisalign company has your orthodontic history and will help your new dentist continue your care without interruption.

Ensure that the dentists you are considering are skilled Invisalign providers with experience in cases like yours. You can schedule consultations with one or all three dentists to discuss your concerns and case. You can also ask each dentist to show you before-and-after patient photos.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a former Invisalign provider who switched to ClearCorrect® aligners for orthodontic treatment.

Why do new crowns make my teeth sensitive and burn my gums?

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The whole process of getting crowns from my dentist has been a nightmare. They are burning my gums now, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m blaming myself a bit because the temporary crowns were a mess, too. They felt like they were leaking, and my teeth hurt beneath them. I told my dentist that I was worried about infection, so he prescribed an antibiotic. He did not check my teeth or anything–just gave me a prescription. When I got my six new crowns, my dentist filed and re-filed my teeth because my bite was off. I felt fluid rushing beneath the crowns whenever I drank anything, so my dentist sent the crowns back, and I wore temporaries. The temporaries felt better than the crowns and the first set of temporaries. Now I’ve been wearing my new crowns for two weeks, and my teeth are sensitive, and my gums are burning. Fortunately, my dentist used temporary cement. But something is not right with the crowns. But as I said, this has been a nightmare from day one. What should I do to prevent this situation from getting worse? I had a little anxiety before this process began. But I have hyperventilated three times at the dental office recently. Can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment, or is it too late? – Marquita from GA

Marquita,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, gums, and new crowns for an accurate diagnosis. But we can be helpful. Please do not allow your dentist to bond your crowns to your teeth permanently.

New Dental Crowns and Burning Gums

If your gums are burning and teeth are sensitive after new dental crowns, ask your dentist for the exact composition of the crowns. When a lab makes crowns, they send a dental alloy certificate listing all materials in the crown. And if your crowns are porcelain-fused-to-metal, you might have a metal allergy or sensitivity. It would explain why your gums are burning, and your teeth are sensitive.

Challenges of Placing Dental Crowns on Front Teeth

Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton Rouge

Sedation will relieve your anxiety while a cosmetic dentist restores your teeth

When a dentist places a crown on your front teeth, they must ensure your bite is adjusted. But your dentist placed six crowns, which increases the challenge of bite adjustment. A dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite can adjust your bite accurately without extensively filing your teeth down to stumps.

And when you suspected that you might have a tooth infection, your dentist prescribed antibiotics instead of identifying the cause of your discomfort.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Treatment?

Yes, you can switch dentists in the middle of getting new crowns. First, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training—preferably accredited—to examine your teeth. The dentist can explain sedation options to prevent anxiety from overwhelming you. Then, the dentist will determine if your crowns have a metal foundation or if something else is causing tooth sensitivity and burning gums. Your new crowns should feel so comfortable that you don’t notice them at all.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Read why so many of his patients think he is among the best dentists in Baton Rouge.