Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/14/2008

Question
I am a 59 yr. old male. My teeth were in rough condition so I made the decision to visit a CEREC dentist and have all of the teeth replaced with CEREC crowns.  

My dentist told me I would need extensive work and would have to have all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. He is going to place CEREC crowns on the remaining 14 upper teeth. He said all of the roots were intact/alive and has already completed the core buildup, incl. pins, gingivectomy/plasty work.  

My question is this. During my last visit, he placed temporary crowns on all the teeth in my upper jaw. However, instead of placing separate temporary crowns on the 6 front teeth, the temporary 'crown' appears to be bridged together.

I did not expect a bridge on my upper 6 front teeth. I was led to believe that ALL of the replacements would be individual crowns.

I am not happy with the way the temporary bridge feels. I cannot floss and feel like I am wearing a retainer 24/7. My dentist is out of town so I am unable to discuss this with him. In the meantime, I would like some answers before return for the permanent crowns within 4 weeks.

These are my questions:

Is it possible that the permanent crowns on the front 6 teeth will be placed separately?

Is it cheaper for a dentist to do this one way or the other?

What are the advantageous and/or disadvantages of such a bridge.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Distressed  

Answer
Hi

The permanent crowns will undoubtedly be individual teeth, not linked.  It is far easier to place a temporary bridge like this than 6 individual temporary crowns because the temporary is far more secure.  if you had 6 individual temporaries it is highly likely that one or more of them would come off and can be a real nuisance.

This is normal practice.

Regards

Tony Appleton