25 Aug Protect and Strengthen Teeth with Dental Crowns
Patients with rather sizeable cavities or those who need to restore a tooth following an injury may not be adequately treated with a normal filling. In these cases, dental crowns can help to protect and strengthen your teeth from further damage and preserve your oral health in the process.
Dental crowns are caps that slide on top of your biological teeth after decayed material has been removed. A dentist may also place a crown on a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy in order to bolster the tooth, which is more susceptible to breakage after that type of treatment.
Crowns may be constructed of a number of different materials, including metal, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal and ceramics. The material recommended for you will be based on the needs associated with your specific case. Crowns made of porcelain or ceramics can be custom-designed in order to blend in with the rest of your biological smile. Modern materials used in dental crown design look remarkably lifelike.
The process of getting a crown takes place over the course of two or three appointments. At the first session, your dentist will examine your teeth and collect information used in the crown’s design, such as measurements of the tooth. You will also get a chance to provide your input about the crown’s color. Keep in mind that a dental crown will not respond to tooth whitening treatments so if you plan to enhance your smile in that way, you should do so before your crown is placed.
Additionally, the tooth will need to be “prepped” for crown placement. That is, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from your tooth to make room for the crown. You may wear a temporary crown while you are awaiting your permanent restoration from the dental lab.
When the crown is ready, you will return to the office to have it bonded to your tooth. Any additional desired adjustments to the crown’s shape or shade must be made before it is affixed to your tooth.
Dental crowns can make your teeth stronger and more attractive following decay or other damage. If you feel that you would benefit from this treatment, contact our office to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.