How to cover black metal showing at top of bad bridgework?

Question

I had a dreadful bridge put in and only months later the black top of the teeth on the bridge are showing, how can I cover it up?
The dentist who did it is now out of business - no surprise & I can't afford to do it all again.

Answer 1

There are three options. I'll list them from most risky (but nicest finish) solution to lest expensive.

1. Remove the bridge (yes, even permanently cemented bridges can often be removed. They remove it by one of two methods. The first is by using a tool called a crown and bridge remover. They hook an attachment under the edge of the bridge and tap it to try to break the cement. The other method is to drill a small hole in the top of the bridge and use a different type of crown remover which goes into the hole and lifts the bridge upward from the inside, again breaking the cement. These methods are not always successfully, and occasionally cause the bridge to break.) One the bridge is off, they send it back to the laboratory where more porcelain is added to the area where the "black" metal edge is exposed. Another risk is taken when they place the bridge into the oven - and the porcelain is fired to "cure"it. Occasionally the bridge could shatter due to imperfections in the porcelain. If all of the risky things work for your benefit, you are left with a perfectly repaired bridge that is re-cemented.

Second option, use bonding (white filling) and cover the metal. This can be done, but only with the right layering. Most dentists do not have the right materials to do it. Metal and composite don't bond so they have to put a layer in the middle to make it work. Again, this is risky because it will often break and the white material fall off.

Third, if it is not in the front, then just leave it alone and don't show anyone. The metal is a good thing in the back near the gumline. Gum tissue likes a very thin edge to lay against and form a barrier to keep bacteria away from the roots of the teeth. When a crown of bridge ends with porcelian, it is thick and the gum tissue doesn't like it very much. In the molars and orther back teeth, we like to leave the metal margin to allow the gums to be healthier. It isn't really black, it is polished shiney silver. It only looks black in the mouth because there is not much light. So,percieved problem may not be a problem at all, but something to help you.

Now - if it is in the front of your mouth - we almost always use a porcelian margin for cosmetic purposes. What may have occured is the gum tissue may have resporbed just a little, and might grow back since it was not long ago.

Answer 2

Find a sympathetic NHS Dentist