How do I know which colour, size and shape to choose for my new Crowns?

Question

I had my 2 front teeth knocked out over 15years ago and the crowns fitted at the time are now looking and feeling less like I would like them too. So I am now of an age where I feel brave enough to go get some new ones put in and I am going to the dentist next week to discuss what size shape and colour I would like, but how will I know what is best for me this is my greatest fear that I choose the wrong type, how can I visualize what would suit me best. At the moment they are slightly yellow and they are what I would say are short and dumpy teeth. I also have a couple of mm gap between them but don't want to widen them further as they are already quite wide. Is there a website I could go on and pay and try different types out like you can with a hair style? Any help with this would be received with great thanks.

I had my 2 front teeth knocked out over 15years ago and the crowns fitted at the time are now looking and feeling less like I would like them too. So I am now of an age where I feel brave enough to go get some new ones put in and I am going to the dentist next week to discuss what size shape and colour I would like, but how will I know what is best for me this is my greatest fear that I choose the wrong type, how can I visualize what would suit me best. At the moment they are slightly yellow and they are what I would say are short and dumpy teeth. I also have a couple of mm gap between them but don't want to widen them further as they are already quite wide. Is there a website I could go on and pay and try different types out like you can with a hair style? Any help with this would be received with great thanks.

Added due to answer given
I was only 12 or 13 years old when I had these crowns fitted so yes my face has changed along with my bone structure. Thanks for your helps guys!

Answer 1

The dentist will choose the shape, size and shade of the new crowns based on what your natural teeth "should look like" and what you "want them to look like." If the shade of your natural teeth aren't what you like, you can bleach your teeth in advance of getting the new crowns. Lot's of things have changed over the years, we don't make the "chicklet teeth" anymore. Any spaces or size changes he will discuss with you. The dentist are professionals and will adjust the size of the surrounding teeth with a composite bonding or a veneer to increase their size if needed. He's there to help you attain the smile you want. Think of it like this, his reputation is walking out the door in your mouth and he wants it to be one that pleases you and any one that sees your teeth when you smile. He won't let you make a bad choice. You will be able to look at them before they are cemented into place and any changes that you deem necessary can be adjusted prior to the placement. Don't worry, he/she will make you look gorgeous! You'll wonder why you didn't do this years ago. Good luck!

Part of the "short and dumpy" look is due to your age at the time these crowns were placed and the growth you've had since then. I'm going to assume that you were in your teens then, so your bone structure wasn't finish growing and your teeth were still erupting after having these crowns placed. Now 15 years later your through with growing and it's time to replace them. Didn't have time to add this earlier but felt it was relevant to the information you needed. Good luck with your appointment and I hope I've been of some help!

Additional information: I don't know of any web sites that allow you to view changes as in hair styles. Your dentist will be able to show you diagrams and perhaps photo's of prior patients he's taken with similar problems and their finished results. Trust the dentist, everytime you smile and show your teeth to the public you are his walking advertisement! Good luck!

Answer 2

For a situation as sensitive as yours--obviously your front teeth-it is possible that your dentist will take impressions of our mouth and send them to the labratory. The lab can then fabricate study models of your mouth-meaning that before any major work is done in your mouth, they can show you wax examples of the crowns they will make for you---so you can preview what the size and shape of them will look like in relation to your other teeth--as to the color--some offices have a special camera for matching the shades of your other teeth-if your dentist doesn't have one-you can usually go to the lab and they will match your shade.(Keep in mind that if you are planning on bleaching your teeth, you will want to do this before they take the shade for your new crowns because crowns will not bleach)

Answer 3

ok, the shape should be no longer than 1mm to your lateral incisors (the teeth next to your front teeth)... most of this your dentist will determine for your... the color, should match that of the surrounding teeth, as to appear as natural as possible. if you want to whiten your teeth, i suggest whitening them NOW, before you get your new crowns. otherwise, your new crowns will look yellowed next to your newly whitened teeth, and crowns can't be bleached only remade to match the surrounding teeth. as far as teeth, there are only so many variences you can go with... you need to stick with what fits the anatomy of your mouth. the teeth function, is more important than the appearance. what's more important? a porche that doesn't run, or a kia that will never break down? same with teeth...talk with your dentist (no there isn't any website that i know of that can help you virtually 'try on' teeth), and s/he will help you decide which is the best option for your situation. but like i said, if you want your teeth whiter, bleach them now (with crest white strips), before your appointment, ok? otherwise you'll just have multicolored teeth :o)

Answer 4

these days the dentist will be able to show you before and after computer images of your own teeth and between you both you can decide what will suit you best but you can also take in pictures from mags to show the dentist what you had in mind and work together to get the best results god they can do all sorts these days and you will look great when work is completed just have faith in your dentist and yourself at the end of the day he wants you to recommend him for work done so he will make sure you are 100% happy with the results before you leave the surgery

Answer 5

Isn't this something that the dentist has the best knowledge of???

Answer 6

Ask your dentist wich lab he uses......! Mine sent me there and they did a perfect job.............!