Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that helps strengthen cracked, decaying, or discolored teeth and return them to their natural brilliance.

There are several types of dental crowns your dentist may recommend, including:

• Ceramic crown
• Porcelain crown
• Gold alloy crown
• Base metal alloy crown
• Zirconia crown

According to the American Dental Association, there are pros and cons to every type of dental crown, but your dentist can help determine the right option for you.

Why would I need a dental crown?

Designed to support and protect weak teeth from further damage, a dental crown may be needed to:

• Protect a cracked tooth
• Support a dental bridge
• Cover an extremely discolored tooth
• Hide a misshapen tooth
• Create a more even smile

If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental crown can completely change the look of your smile.

What should I expect from the dental crown process?

Once you and your dentist settle on the right type of crown for your teeth and lifestyle, you’ll need to plan on returning to the office for two additional visits.

During the first visit, your dentist preps your tooth for the crown by filing it down or filling it, depending on your needs.

Once your tooth is prepared for the crown, your dentist takes an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth before the mold is sent to the in-house lab for construction.

Creating a new crown takes 2 to 3 weeks, during which time you’ll be fitted for a temporary crown. The permanent crown is placed during your second visit.

It may take some time to get used to a new crown in your mouth, so it’s best to avoid sticky or chewy foods until the crown starts to feel natural. After a few weeks, your new crown should look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

Should I consider a zirconia crown?

Zirconia crowns combine the strength of ceramic-like crowns and the aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns to create a sturdy, natural-looking cap for your teeth.

There are plenty of advantages in choosing a zirconia crown, such as:

• Exact tooth color match
• Extreme strength
• Ability to be shaped in the dental office
• Can be layered with porcelain
• Biocompatible material that limits adverse reactions to the crown

Call or book an appointment online today for more information about Gentle Dental Care’s crown services.