Is the Gum Contour Crucial in Creating a Better Smile?

May 20, 2012 alexnguyen

I was recently asked this question following a consultation I did for a patient. A front tooth is beautiful not only because of the white part of the tooth, but also because of how the pink gum tissue drapes around the neck of the tooth. In your smile, there should be a harmonious proportion which flows from the front teeth to the back teeth.

For people whose front teeth have been traumatized, often time the lip line is unconsciously restrained to limit the display the front teeth. If we do not plan for proper gum contouring to create the right proportion and gum tissue drape for the front teeth; when you are happy with the new teeth and begin to smile more openly, then the gum line may throw off the otherwise-could be perfect smile line.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

Another Case of Dark Crowns on the Front Teeth

February 4, 2012 alexnguyen

Material choice and technique plays an important role in creating life-like restorations for the front teeth. In the case below, improper choice of material and technique resulted in 2 dark front teeth. Material problem:

Using translucent porcelain over dark underlying tooth structure allows the dark color to bleed through. Not all materials fit all situations, and the dentist must understand when to apply the right material to the right situation.

Technique problem:

1. The margin (the demarcation between the porcelain and the root) does not fit properly. This results in excess accumulation of plaque right at the root area. This type of problem may cause the gum to initially become inflamed, then slowly deteriorate and shrink away from the crown.

2. The dark underlying tooth structure must be masked out.

3. The shape, size, contour, shade, surface characteristics must blend in with the patient's existing teeth.

Since the smile's center of attention is the two front teeth, it is important that the restorations look like they are your real teeth. It is crucial to seek the right clinician to help with your front teeth. Unfortunately, once the restorations are bonded to the teeth, they would have to be redone from scratch if you are unhappy with the result.

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How Come the Color Could Never Match For Crowns on the Front Teeth?

September 11, 2011 alexnguyen

The two front teeth are the most commonly restored teeth. They erupt into the mouth at about the age of eight, and being positioned in front of the mouth they often sustain the most damage. Color is not the only parameter required to match the two front teeth with the rest of the teeth in the smile. Among other factors, we have to also match contour, surface texture, and shade variations of different areas of the teeth. Matching the front teeth is like sculpting a portrait of what they used to look like. That is the only way they will blend in with the natural dentition. Furthermore, the two front teeth serve as a very important guidance for joint stability and function. We must approach the front teeth in more than one dimension.

When done correctly, restorations for the front teeth will disappear into the rest of the smile. Here is a testimony from a recent case I delivered last week.

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Email dated 9/09/2011

Dear Dr. Alex,

I want to personally thank you for the wonderful job you did on my case. Although it took longer than I anticipated, it was worth the wait and I am very pleased with the end result. You definitely have the knack for how teeth should look and function. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and professionalism. ...Again, I want to thank you for a job well done.

P.S. you will soon have another positive review on Yelp :)

Sincerely,

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