Looking Beyond the Crowns
Joanna’s crowns had been fitted more than 20 years earlier to disguise tetracycline staining. They had served her well for many years, but were now beginning to show signs of ageing.
Before deciding how to replace them, it was important to understand the health of the teeth underneath. Lasting cosmetic dentistry always starts with healthy foundations.
What I Found
Assessment showed that improving Joanna’s smile could not be the first step.
Her gums required specialist periodontal treatment, and X-rays revealed chronic infections beneath several teeth that had caused no obvious symptoms.
Before considering new crowns, these problems needed to be treated first. Creating a healthy, stable foundation would give any future treatment the best chance of long-term success.
Why We Chose This Approach
Rather than rushing into replacing the crowns, we took the time to address each problem in the right order.
Joanna was referred for specialist periodontal care to improve her gum health and for root canal treatment to eliminate the hidden infections. Although this extended the treatment journey, it meant that when the time came to replace the crowns, we could do so with confidence.
Sometimes the most important part of cosmetic dentistry is knowing when not to begin straight away.
A Patient Who Did Everything Right
Joanna approached every stage of treatment with patience and commitment, understanding that long-lasting results cannot be rushed.
Over the following months, her gum health improved significantly and the infections were successfully treated, creating the healthy foundation needed for the final stage of treatment.
Rebuilding the Smile
Once her mouth was healthy and stable, we could finally focus on rebuilding her smile. Whitening was carried out on the untreated back teeth to soften the remaining tetracycline staining before twelve zirconia crowns were carefully designed and fitted to restore strength, harmony and a natural appearance.
The Result
Joanna now has a brighter, more harmonious smile, but the greatest success lies beneath the surface.
Her gums are healthy, the infections have been treated and her new restorations are supported by strong, healthy teeth.
For me, this case is a reminder that the most successful cosmetic dentistry isn’t simply about changing how a smile looks. It’s about creating a result that is healthy, predictable and built to last.
Thinking About Replacing Your Crowns?
If your crowns are:
- More than 10-15 years old
- Beginning to chip or wear
- Becoming discoloured around the edges
- Difficult to keep clean
- No longer looking or feeling as they once did
…it may be time to have them assessed.
Sometimes replacing a crown is straightforward. Sometimes the healthiest long-term solution begins with treating the teeth underneath first.
Book a consultation to discuss your options and create a personalised treatment plan.