Tooth preparation: Your dentist will first need to prepare your tooth for the crown. This procedure involves applying local anesthesia. Then the dentist will remove any old restorations and decay and prep the tooth to create space for your crown and ensure perfect bonding.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps designed to restore broken, decayed, weak, or worn-down teeth. They protect teeth from erosion, improve chewing and speaking experience, and enhance the appearance of your smile. Most crowns are long-term solutions designed to last between five and 15 years with proper care.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to cover and restore weak, decayed, and broken teeth.
Dental crowns can be crafted from a wide range of FDA-approved materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, or metal alloys. Each substance offers different levels of strength and durability. Your dentist can help you figure out which option is best for you.
Crown Application Process
When getting a crown, you can expect to see your dentist at least twice. During the first visit, you will be taken through the following procedures or steps:
Dental impressions: After creating an ideal foundation for your crown, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. This procedure can be digital or physical; the former requires a hand-held scanner, while the latter is taken with a putty-like material. These impressions will be used to design your new crown.
Temporary replacement: A new crown may take a couple of weeks to complete (sometimes even longer), so your dentist will provide a temporary cover, usually made of acrylic or resin, until the new one is ready.
Long-term placement: Once your new crown is ready, your dentist will invite you for your second visit. During this stage, your temporary crown will be removed, and your teeth will be prepared for the new placement. Your dentist will reexamine your new crown’s fit and color, ensuring that it matches your teeth. Next, your dentist will begin the bonding process to fit the new crown to your tooth using dental cement.
How Crowns Help Protect Your Teeth
A crown offers several benefits for your teeth, including the following:
Straighter teeth
A dental crown covers your entire tooth, making it look straighter from all angles. This is ideal if you have naturally crooked teeth. Crowns are designed to look like normal teeth and complement your pre-existing dental structure.
Protection against infection and risk of decay
Crowns cover your teeth, acting as a shield against infections and decay. However, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and potential decay underneath the crown.
Helps you handle tough chewing
Chewing hard food can be very painful if you have a weak or broken tooth. Your dentist can correct this weakness with a crown, which strengthens your teeth to handle tough chewing.
Results in a healthier and more vibrant smile
Decayed, broken, and infected teeth can affect your smile and your confidence. Once you have a crown placement done, you’ll enjoy a more beautiful and vibrant smile, which is likely to improve your confidence.
How Crowns Help Protect Your Teeth
A crown offers several benefits for your teeth, including the following:
Straighter teeth
A dental crown covers your entire tooth, making it look straighter from all angles. This is ideal if you have naturally crooked teeth. Crowns are designed to look like normal teeth and complement your pre-existing dental structure.
Protection against infection and risk of decay
Crowns cover your teeth, acting as a shield against infections and decay. However, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and potential decay underneath the crown.
Helps you handle tough chewing
Chewing hard food can be very painful if you have a weak or broken tooth. Your dentist can correct this weakness with a crown, which strengthens your teeth to handle tough chewing.
Results in a healthier and more vibrant smile
Decayed, broken, and infected teeth can affect your smile and your confidence. Once you have a crown placement done, you’ll enjoy a more beautiful and vibrant smile, which is likely to improve your confidence.
How Crowns Help Protect Your Teeth
A crown offers several benefits for your teeth, including the following:
Straighter teeth
A dental crown covers your entire tooth, making it look straighter from all angles. This is ideal if you have naturally crooked teeth. Crowns are designed to look like normal teeth and complement your pre-existing dental structure.
Protection against infection and risk of decay
Crowns cover your teeth, acting as a shield against infections and decay. However, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and potential decay underneath the crown.
Helps you handle tough chewing
Chewing hard food can be very painful if you have a weak or broken tooth. Your dentist can correct this weakness with a crown, which strengthens your teeth to handle tough chewing.
Results in a healthier and more vibrant smile
Decayed, broken, and infected teeth can affect your smile and your confidence. Once you have a crown placement done, you’ll enjoy a more beautiful and vibrant smile, which is likely to improve your confidence.
How Crowns Help Protect Your Teeth
A crown offers several benefits for your teeth, including the following:
Straighter teeth
A dental crown covers your entire tooth, making it look straighter from all angles. This is ideal if you have naturally crooked teeth. Crowns are designed to look like normal teeth and complement your pre-existing dental structure.
Protection against infection and risk of decay
Crowns cover your teeth, acting as a shield against infections and decay. However, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and potential decay underneath the crown.
Helps you handle tough chewing
Chewing hard food can be very painful if you have a weak or broken tooth. Your dentist can correct this weakness with a crown, which strengthens your teeth to handle tough chewing.
Results in a healthier and more vibrant smile
Decayed, broken, and infected teeth can affect your smile and your confidence. Once you have a crown placement done, you’ll enjoy a more beautiful and vibrant smile, which is likely to improve your confidence.
How to Know if I Need a Crown
In order to know if a dental crown is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
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Do I have a cracked or decaying tooth?
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Do I have trouble chewing or speaking properly?
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Do my teeth feel weak and need additional support?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then a crown might be the ideal solution for you. Be sure to speak with your dentist first to conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to rule out other potential issues.
If you suspect you may be in need of a dental crown, contact Durango Dental today to make an appointment with our knowledgeable and friendly dentist, Dr. Belt. We look forward to helping you achieve a radiant, healthy smile.