can the dentist cap my teeth?

I'm 44, and have struggled in the last few years with discoloration (possibly genetic or due to childhood medication), weakened enamel (from de-calcification) and cavities. My front, top teeth were all pretty much going to suffer intense problems over the next 15 years, and my dentist was candid with me about the fact that I'd have to get them crowned.

To do it one at a time would mean keying the caps to the horrid color of the adjacent teeth, so that, one at a time, I'd replace my pearly greys with a mouthful of expensive, discolored caps. So I decided to have the top front six done all at once in a great color. I went one shade darker than "toilet seat," just so they still looked natural and not fake.

My fear is that it would be like $3000 a tooth, as it seems only movie stars get that kind of work done. Instead, it was about $3K for the six, after insurance, or about $500 a tooth for the absolute best caps on the market. The only thing that I regret is that I forgot to request a slightly different shape for my front teeth (I like the slightly larger, longer front teeth that some people have...it seems friendlier ;^). But the nice thing about caps is that, despite the permanent glue, they can be removed and replaced. So if I ever get that starring movie role, I can "finish" the job.

That's my only regret. One side benefit is that since they're thicker than normal teeth, and, therefore, rounder on the bottom, I lost the ability to bite my nails! LOL!

At your age, I'd suggest getting some serious consultation about mouth growth and such, to make sure you don't do something that doesn't adjust well to a growth spurt. Other than that, only money is an issue.

The process is straightforward. For me, the dentist started (since I was doing only uppers) by "trimming" my front bottom teeth of uneven edges - that didn't even take anesthetic, as it was just tiny bits of chipped enamel. So, side benefit. :^)

Then they took an impression of the original teeth to mimic the shape and size, as well as the bite-surface contact (since they were repairing some irregularities in the process).

Next, he cut down my top six teeth with a drill until they were nice, stocky, bloody nubs of light brown (the interior color of teeth is darker than enamel). I laughed my a$$ off. I'd wished I had a camera, cause I looked like Gollum! I even made some "preciousss" jokes to make them laugh. And, yes...I got LOTS of pain killer for that part! That's a good think I assure you. :^)

Next, I was cast again for the inside of the caps. Then, the assistant did the most amazing thing - she cast, then shaped, a perfect bridge of six teeth in temporary material. It came out so good, no one realized I'd had any work done!!! This I wore for about two weeks (with temporary cement that never came out).

Finally, my caps came in from the "factory." Fittings, x-rays, removal of the temp, cleaning of the nubbins, and the application of the glue. In they went, in order (make sure your dentist keeps track, or you could get a nasty mistake!! o.o)...and VOILA!! Changed my appearance, made me more confident to smile, and even eliminated a slight diastema that made my whistle occasionally when pronouncing "s's."

I think that Kirsten Dunst just had her "baby teeth" redone to something that looks more adult. Her career was a little on the skids, so I respect her choice. Body mods shouldn't be done lightly or for petty causes, especially permanent things. And you have to take amazing care of your teeth (most focus goes from the surface to the gap under the gums - if food gets in there and rots the "post" of original tooth, you lose the tooth and the cap...and that's FOREVER!). But caps can last many years (and by the time you get into trouble with them, I'm confident we'll be regrowing teeth with stem cells for fairly cheap 8^D ). When they fail, if the posts are intact, you can get another set of caps made.

Remember, even though the technology has improved, that's not why your dad had an issue. You have to talk to your dentist about your desires. With small teeth, you might have more options (or less o.o), but talk about shape and appearance and changing the look. Don't assume the dentist will just make your teeth bigger because the default is to mimic your original shape, with some "idealization." Make your desire known, and if you have any skill with computers, do a photo of yourself and Photoshop it with the kind of teeth you want!!! Then bring the picture to the dentist and talk about it.

Finally, at this cost, you don't want to do "all" your teeth. My top front six are pretty much most of the game for me. I might have the next two done for a really broad smile. Also remember that teeth that already have major fillings (like molars tend to) are harder to cap, maybe impossible without breaking the tooth. Focus on the front. If you're desperate, you might cap four of the bottoms, but ask

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RE:

can the dentist cap my teeth?

i have small teeth that aren't that pretty...

i was wondering if at all possible if i had the money to if it was possible for a dentist to put caps over all my teeth to make them look white and the right size?

my dad had it done a longgggg time ago. they grinded alll his teeth down flat...

you r steal young i had same work done when i was about 14 they missed my teeth up i think i am only 22 and i have a frount tooth missing because of it i have all kinds of truble with my teeth so be shir you dont go with the first dentist you come across look into more dentist then just one if you have not got your wisdom teeth in yet you should wate they might fix them selfs good luck

That would thousands of dollars but if you have the money more power to you. You mean 'veneers' to fit over your teeth?

I guess there isn't much of a downside except the money issue and you won't be able to eat very tough foods until you learn how to chew properly.

It would more than like be considered a dental surgery so yes, needles and novocaine but after that you shouldn't feel too much pain.

But what is beauty without suffering. *sigh*

I don't know about a dentist but I know a guy that can put a cap in your a*s (for a price).

Yes it requires anesthetic (local most of the time).

There are many options now a days, have you heard of lumineers?

They are painless and most of the time free of any anesthetic. You should have a consultation and talk about all your options first.

Crowning teeth requires anesthetic, cord packing for gingiva retraction, impressions, study model impressions, temporary crowns, 2 week waiting time for original crowns, then adjusting crowns, then cementing crowns. Its a lenghthy process

Caps For Your Teeth

well im 15 and all they are doing for me is braces... then afterwards you can get them whitend but idk if theyll cap em for u at 15...