I had been grinding my teeth for years without noticing or having a dentist tell me. I recently moved and my new dentist was very concerned about the condition of my teeth. Some of them in the back were tiny nubs. She asked me some questions and believes I have TMJ Disorder. It made sense as she talked about the symptoms and would explain a lot about things I am going through. She suggested a full-mouth reconstruction. The bottom is done. It was a highly emotional experience for me and one I am not sure I want to go through again for the top arch. I chose a color that was darker than my dentist suggested, but now that it is done, I feel it is still too dark. I also miss the unique defects in my smile that I felt made me…me. These bottom teeth are just oo perfect. Do I have to finish the full mouth reconstruction? My dentist thinks it will do more damage to my bite if I don’t and she thinks the upper teeth being so much smaller and darker than the lower teeth will look odd. She is leaving it up to me and said, she’s given her thoughts and will not pressure me to conform to them. I’m paralyzed with the fear I’ll make the wrong decision. Do you have a recommendation?
Carol
Dear Carol,
I am sorry this has been so difficult for you. Up front, I want to make sure you understand that because I haven’t examined you or seen any of the diagnostics, anything I tell you will be based soley on what you said.
it sounds like the things that concerned you were 1. The color wasn’t what you were hoping for. 2. The teeth were too perfect looking and lost its quirks.
The color would be hard to change unless you had the dentist do them again, but if it is the color you picked you’d have to pay for them again. As for the quirkiness. You can get that easily…as long as you get the right dentist. Expert cosmetic dentists would likely trample over one another for an opportunity to design a smile with some character. Most patients just want the perfect Hollywood smile. Your request would put them in heaven.
While you could leave things as they are I have some concerns. You do not want to leave a full mouth reconstruction half done without a good reason. This is expecially true when you are already dealing with TMJ Disorder. Plus, the ceramics on the bottom teeth will damagae natural tooth structure as they butt up against on another. My suggestion is to complete the reconstruction but do it with a dentist who has the skills to create the look you want. They will need expert cosmetic training as well as advanced restonstructive training. It’s a tall order, but they do exist.
This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.