In February 2023, I got crowns on all my upper and lower teeth. I have battled with dry mouth since then. My smile is broader because my dentist opened my bite, so I try to smile with my mouth closed. My dentist said he could lower the crowns, but the thought seems overwhelming—lower the crowns on all my teeth? I am not confident that my dentist’s solution is the right answer or the only answer. Any suggestions? Thanks. Devon from Lansing, MI
Devon,
Unfortunately, your dentist opened your bite and made your crowns higher than your natural teeth, so you’re experiencing dry mouth.
What Is Lip Incompetence?
Lip incompetence is a condition that occurs when you can’t close your mouth naturally after getting dental crowns. However, it is more than uncomfortable or annoying. Persistent dry mouth reduces saliva production and overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth. Even with crowns, bacteria can creep into the crown margin and cause gum disease.
Opening Your Bite
Look for a dentist with occlusion and bite training to examine your crowns
A dentist trained in occlusion and bite opens your bite temporarily to ensure you are comfortable with it. Temporary crowns or composites can open your bite so you can experience its look and feel and how it affects how your lips close and chew. When the test is complete, a ceramist can make your custom crowns.
What Can You Do Now?
Your dentist should accept responsibility for his serious mistake of seating 28 crowns too high and refund you so you can find a skilled dentist to correct it. Most dentists lack extensive training in full-mouth reconstruction. The complex procedure requires advanced training and experience in occlusion, bite, and cosmetic dentistry.
We recommend finding a skilled dentist with experience and training in cosmetic dentistry, occlusion, and bite. Schedule a second opinion appointment. If the dentist feels that your issues result from your dentist’s work, ask them to help you get a refund from your current dentist.
If your dentist refuses to refund you, you can report the issue to the state dental board or seek legal advice.
Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.