I Regret Agreeing to Monolithic Zirconia Crowns

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I would not have agreed to eight monolithic zirconia crowns from my upper front teeth if I had known they would be bright, solid white. My teeth look fake. Although the crowns were so pricey that I’m on a payment plan for them, the starkness of their color makes them look fake. I got the crowns because my dentist assured me that they would last, given zirconia’s durability. I never thought that the crowns would look fake, though. Is this a known drawback of getting zirconia crowns for front teeth? Thanks. Amelya from IL

Amelya,

We are sorry that your anticipation for a new smile led to disappointment.

Zirconia provides excellent strength for crowns. Dental labs shape it from solid blocks with computer-guided milling machines, creating a crown that fits precisely. However, zirconia alone lacks the natural color gradations of real teeth.

For crowns in the smile zone, technicians apply porcelain over zirconia. They layer and bake the porcelain to blend subtle shades, replicating the appearance of a natural tooth. A monolithic zirconia crown—one without porcelain—cannot achieve this effect for a front tooth. Porcelain-layered zirconia, on the other hand, allows dental crowns on front teeth to look completely natural.

Why Does Crown Placement Matter?

Dental crowns

An advanced cosmetic dentist and master ceramist produce natural-looking crowns

Restoring one or two front teeth is straightforward, but restoring all of them requires advanced training. Positioning crowns too far forward changes the harmony of the smile. This type of case demands an expert eye and refined technique.

How Can You Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

Look for a dentist with strong cosmetic credentials to correct your crowns.

The following points can help guide your search:

  • AACD Accreditation: Members accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry pass comprehensive written and clinical exams.
  • Case Photographs: Even non-accredited dentists should present photos of their work so you can see results that are similar to your dental crowns case.

These steps ensure you choose a dentist with artistry and expertise to restore your smile.

Understanding Fees for Aesthetic Dental Crowns

High-quality cosmetic dentistry is rarely inexpensive. Skilled dentists work with the best laboratories and take time to ensure excellent outcomes with zirconia crowns. While some charge premium fees, many keep prices in line with regional standards. We recommend consulting a highly skilled cosmetic dentist. What you can expect for your investment in quality and expertise is beautiful, lasting work.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Discover why many patients consider Dr. Brooksher one of the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

My zirconia crowns don’t match after a second try

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In September, my dentist placed four new zirconia crowns on my upper front teeth. The crowns don’t match the shape of my natural teeth. They look like they would not match the shape of anyone’s natural teeth. My mistake was to ask my dentist to do the work. He said he could do it for $600 – $800 less than other dentists because I am an existing patient.  Thank you, Ada

Ada,

My dentist agrees that my teeth do not look natural, so he referred me to a prosthodontist to correct the issue. Now the shape of my teeth is okay, but the color is off. I made the mistake of asking for sedation before I saw the crowns. The prosthodontist cemented the crowns without me getting a non-sedated look at them. I am angry and frustrated. He said he will change the color if I pay for it. Why should I pay for teeth that look gray? Isn’t a prosthodontist a specialist?

It’s unfortunate to know you’ve had two bad experiences with dentists who can’t give you natural-looking results with crowns.

Your dentist should take responsibility to correct your smile in the best way possible instead of referring you to a prosthodontist. Although prosthodontists have two to three years of training in restoring teeth, few are artists in cosmetic dentistry. They can get the technical details and function correctly, but the aesthetics are often lacking. But an excellent cosmetic dentist is concerned about the details that make your smile look natural. And they don’t bond the work to your teeth unless you love the way it looks.

Zirconia crowns for front teeth

Although a dentist can give you zirconia crowns on your front teeth, it takes advanced cosmetic dentistry training to make the crowns look natural.

  • Zirconia crowns are made from a block – A dental lab tech makes zirconia crowns from blocks and mills them into shape to fit over your tooth. But a zirconia block has one color throughout it. Your natural teeth have variations in color and translucence.
  • Porcelain layers can make zirconia look natural – A zirconia crown cannot recreate the look of your tooth unless a ceramist bakes porcelain onto the surface and manipulates the color.

Sedation for dental crowns

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

Try on temporary crowns before receiving sedation dentistry

If you need sedation when your crowns are cemented, your dentist can create temporary crowns first. If you like the temporary crowns, a dental ceramist can duplicate them when making your permanent restorations. Before you are sedated for the final crowns, at least you know you approved them.

What’s Next?

Our recommendations are below:

  • Discontinue treatment – Don’t let the prosthodontist do any more work on your teeth. He isn’t interested in giving you crowns that you love.
  • Ask for a refund – Depending on the extent of color mismatch in your crowns, you may only receive a partial refund.
  • Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist – Don’t rely on a referral. Look for a dentist with credentials (accreditation, at least) from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Dental Aesthetics.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery.

Do zirconia crowns cause a dry tongue?

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I think I need to switch to a holistic dentist. After I received three new zirconia crowns in July, my tongue is dry, my throat burns, and my voice is hoarse. I think I am allergic to the crowns, but my dentist says that zirconia crowns don’t cause a reaction. He advised me to see an ENT because of the issue with my throat, but the ENT said that he doesn’t see anything that’s causing the burning sensation. My sinuses are okay. I also went to a gastro doctor who ruled out reflux. I guess that I will get allergy testing next.

My other concern is about my options after removing the zirconia crowns. I feel safer with a new dentist, and as I mentioned, a holistic dentist. Besides, when my dentist installed the crowns, he used so much water that I felt like I was drowning. I threw up some of the water. I read online about a few other people whose dentist used so much water that it was overwhelming. What are my options other than zirconia crowns? Thank you, Isaiah from Maryland

Isaiah,

Your experience with getting zirconia crowns sounds stressful. We disagree with telling a patient that they can’t be allergic to a specific dental material. Each person has unique circumstances, and immune systems can be unpredictable, even if you have no known allergies.

You visited multiple specialists to identify the cause of your burning throat and dry tongue but still don’t have a diagnosis. We are considering another possibility—burning mouth syndrome.

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition characterized by a burning sensation in your mouth or on your lips or tongue. It can also cause your tongue or mouth to feel dry. Symptoms can linger for days or months. Women are five times more likely than men to experience the symptoms.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Damage to pain and taste nerves is the suspected cause of burning mouth syndrome. Other possible causes include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Certain medications
  • Medical conditions, including reflux, endocrine disorders, and fungal infections
  • Anxiety, depression, or stress

Allergy Testing

Photo of woman sitting back in a dental chair with her eyes closed; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry during tooth extraction.

Sedation can help you relax and change your view about dental visits

A dentist who offers holistic—or biological—treatment can help you find resources for Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing. The testing will reveal if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any dental materials, including zirconia.

But if your allergy tests are negative, consider the possibility that your stressful dental experience triggered burning mouth syndrome.

Your new dentist can explain your treatment options for metal-free crowns and how sedation can help you relax during your appointment and help you get the treatment you need. If you don’t have allergies or sensitivities, your anxiety and discomfort may improve as you develop trust and confidence in a new dentist.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.