CASE STUDY · SMILE DESIGN AND CROWNS
A man in his late 60s already had a mouthful of crowns. As his gums receded, the dark edges of the crowns and black triangles between his teeth had started to show.
Drag to compare. Photos of a real Hayat Dental patient, published with consent. Individual results vary.
01
Almost all of his visible teeth were already crowned, some a long time ago and some more recently. His gums had receded, and he was bothered that the dark edges of his crowns and the darker root surfaces were now showing, along with gaps between his teeth.
02
The older crowns had a triangular shape: narrow near the gum and wide at the biting edge. As the gums receded, that shape left dark open spaces between the teeth, often called black triangles. The crown edges had also darkened and were visible above the gum line.
03
Replacing the crowns let us change their shape, not just their colour. A more natural, rectangular shape fills the spaces near the gum, and new crown edges hide the dark margins.
We designed the new smile first, closing the gaps and improving the colour and shape, so he could see and approve it before any crown was replaced.
SMILE DESIGN FIRST
Before any tooth was changed, we designed the new smile and showed it to the patient. They could ask for changes, and if they didn’t like it, they didn’t need to go ahead. The design also shows us how little of each tooth we need to adjust.
04
1
Smile design
New shapes and colour were designed and approved.
2
Replacing the crowns
About ten crowns were replaced, working from the back teeth to the front.
3
Final checks
Bite, fit and cleaning access were checked on the finished crowns.
About 10 crowns · Back teeth to front
05
The dark edges and discolouration are hidden, the gaps between the teeth are closed, and the teeth have a more natural, rectangular shape instead of a triangular one. The new shape is also easier to clean.
06
Cleaning between the teeth daily with interdental brushes
Regular check-ups to keep an eye on the gums
Seeing us early if any gum soreness or bleeding appears
07
Fees depend on how many teeth are treated, the materials used and any work needed first. After your consultation you get a written treatment plan with costs, before anything starts, and nothing goes ahead until you are comfortable with the plan. Payment plans are available for cosmetic treatment.
08
A grey or black line where your crowns meet the gum
Dark triangular gaps between your teeth near the gums
Gums that have receded around old crowns
Old crowns that look narrow at the top and wide at the bottom
If a few of these sound familiar, a consultation is the best next step. We explain your options, including the smallest treatment that will do the job.
This summary is based on the treating dentist’s account of the case. Every mouth is different, so your options, timing and costs depend on your own assessment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Many older crowns have a metal base. When the gum recedes, the metal edge or the darker root underneath can show as a grey or black line. New crowns can be designed to hide it.
Small dark spaces near the gum between teeth. They appear when gums recede, and they are more noticeable when teeth or crowns are triangular. Reshaping the teeth or crowns can close them.
Yes. Crowns don’t last forever. When they stain, chip, leak or no longer suit your gums, they can be replaced, and we check the tooth underneath at the same time.
Sometimes. Gum grafting can cover exposed roots in some situations. Where many teeth are already crowned, reshaping the crowns is often the more predictable way to close the spaces. We explain the options at your assessment.
TREATMENTS IN THIS CASE
SIMILAR CASES
Before
AfterSmile design and crownsFour crowns to fix a reverse smile line, gaps and staining3 to 4 weeks
Before
AfterSmile design and crownsSix crowns to replace failing restorations and even out prominent front teethJust under 2 months
Before
AfterSix crownsSix crowns to replace stained, 15-year-old dental workAbout 3 weeksA GOOD PLACE TO START
Book a consultation. We’ll assess your teeth, explain the options and give you a written plan with costs.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Send an enquiry and our team will contact you. To book an appointment, use our online booking portal. For urgent availability, please call the clinic.
