Fitting a single central incisor crown is one of the toughest job in dentistry. If you ask any dentist which job he or she dreads the most, it’s the single front tooth crown in a patient with a high lip line.
Mei, visiting from Malaysia, ticked all of the boxes when it came to the degree of difficulty.
She had come to us wearing a temporary crown fitted by her NHS dentist following three failed attempts to obtain a match in NHS porcelain. You can see it in the middle here.
One of the key differences between NHS laboratories and those used by your private cosmetic dentist is that the NHS labs never get to see the patient, an essential requirement in a difficult porcelain match.
Alex, our technician, came up with the goods at the first attempt and our patient was literally grinning from ear to ear on trying her new Lava porcelain crown.
The cost of Mei’s crown was £450. This price is usually reduced to £390 when more than one crown is provided. The ceramic zirconium comes with a five year guarantee.
Why is the single central incisor crown such a tricky dental procedure?
Your two front teeth are the first thing people see when they look at your smile or watch you speak. They are rarely hidden. Symmetry of shape, colour, size, length and coordination with your facial midline must all be spot on. Any imperfections are instantly picked up by even the most unaware observer. The more you stare at them, the more imperfections you will pick up.
Getting a match with one of these two teeth in porcelain (and one of them natural enamel) is very challenging. Getting a match with both in porcelain is infinitely easier.