Do you have a damaged tooth? Maybe it is suffering the effects of daily wear and tear? You can provide your tooth with an added layer of protection while also improving its appearance and integrity with a dental crown. All-ceramic material allows dental crowns to look like real teeth to blend in with your smile. You’ll invest in a healthy, functional, beautiful smile with a custom-made dental crown.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap bonded over the entire visible surface of a tooth down to the gum line. It provides an added layer of protection for a weakened tooth while also restoring its function. Thanks to all-ceramic material, a crown can also improve the overall color, size, and shape of a tooth to also offer cosmetic benefits. It’s not uncommon for dental crowns to be used along with other procedures, like root canal therapy, a fixed bridge, or dental implants.
Dental crowns are versatile, allowing them to be used for several purposes, such as:
We’ll perform a thorough consultation to ensure a dental crown is the right option for you.
Generally, it takes 2 appointments to repair your tooth after your initial consultation. After your tooth is cleaned, we’ll prepare it by reshaping it to allow the crown to be fitted over it. We’ll use a digital impression system to get the specifics necessary to create your crown. This can take the dental lab a couple of weeks, so you may need a temporary crown in the meantime.
After your permanent restoration has been sent back to our office, you’ll return for your second appointment to have it bonded in place. It’s normal for your tooth to be a bit tender for a few days, but you can manage your discomfort using an over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s also best to stick to a soft diet until after your pain improves.
Your restoration can last for a decade or longer with the right aftercare. It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every night before going to bed. Don’t forget to visit our office at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. We’ll check your crown at each appointment to ensure it’s undamaged and functioning correctly.
Dental crowns offer several advantages, including:
If you’ve never had a dental crown, we want to make sure that you are completely informed on your future treatment. With that said, we also want to help those who may be replacing a dental crown, either because it’s become worn down over time or to provide a metal-free alternative to an existing silver or metal crown. Either way, we’re happy to answer your questions directly or over the phone. To help you get started, feel free to read through a handful of the most common questions our practice receives!
Dental crowns are a highly personalized restoration that’s not only designed to look natural, but feel natural as well. While nothing can truly replace your existing tooth, modern dental crowns are capable of feeling quite lifelike, both when chewing your favorite foods and showing off your smile. We make use of the best dental ceramics available to ensure your crowns last for many years and stay reliable.
As part of the treatment process, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown for at least two weeks before receiving a permanent crown. We work directly with a trustworthy dental lab to create our restorations, ensuring you get the best-made crown possible. Because of that, it takes time to design and fabricate a reliable and long-lasting covering for your affected tooth. Just make sure not to brush or floss too hard around your temporary crown to ensure it does not come loose.
Dental crowns are known for being made of many different materials, including silver amalgam or nickel. However, our dentists have made an effort to use materials that are 100% metal-free, a feature that many patients appreciate. Our crowns are made from dental porcelain, which is not only natural-looking, but durable and designed to last.
In some cases, dental crowns are not entirely necessary, but this largely depends on the amount of damage present inside the tooth. For example, an inlay or an onlay may be a more appropriate solution for a damaged tooth. In other cases, if an existing dental filling is taking up less than 2/3 of natural tooth enamel, we may be able to replace it with a tooth-colored dental filling.
The longevity of a dental crown can depend on multiple factors. Our dental lab does everything it can to create the highest quality restorations, meaning they protect your tooth for as long as possible. With that said, your crown may need replacement sooner depending on the amount of existing tooth structure you have and whether or not you perform sufficient at-home brushing and flossing. You should also visit our office at least once every six months for exams and cleanings.
If you have a damaged tooth, you can repair your smile with an all-ceramic crown. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for dental crowns. We look forward to improving your smile.