In January I received same-day crowns to close a large gap. My dentist placed the crowns on six upper front teeth. Since that time my mouth doesn’t close well, and the crowns interfere with my speech. I think that the tension from it all is causing dry mouth and sore lips. I’m so tense that my jaw and neck hurt, too. I don’t understand why this is happening. I’ve complained to my dentist, but her adjustments haven’t helped at all. Will removing the crowns resolve it? – Thanks. Frankie from Athens, GA
Frankie,
It’s good that you’re seeking advice. Although Dr. Reddy would need to examine your crowns for a definite diagnosis, the crowns are likely the cause of the issues you described.
Well-made same day crowns don’t cause oral health issues
Dental crowns should not cause pain, dry mouth, or issues with your speech. Your descriptions sound like your new crowns opened your bit too much.
What’s Causing the Issues with Your Same-Day Crowns?
Your one-visit crowns might be too thick, too long—or both. Your lips should close naturally without effort. When crowns interfere with your mouth and teeth, the problems you’ve described can occur. And the consequences are serious enough to affect your oral health and contribute to other problems.
- Lip incompetence – When your teeth prevent your lips from closing naturally without your effort, it results in lip incompetence, including numbness and dry mouth. If your mouth doesn’t close properly, it interrupts saliva flow that contains antibodies that fight tooth decay. Dry mouth interrupts saliva breeds bacteria that leads to tooth decay.
- Misaligned bite – When your bite—the way your upper and lower teeth fit together—is off, it can cause speech problems and jaw and neck pain.
We recommend that you visit a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. When multiple crowns are placed on successive teeth, many dentists have difficulty achieving the right fit and bite. An advanced cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns and let you know your options for correcting crown placement or replacing them altogether.
Dentist, Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post
