A dental crown is a cemented cap that covers the remaining tooth surface. The crown restores the decayed tooth back to its original shape, size, strength and overall provides an esthetic appearance. A crown protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure.
The tooth is prepared with tapered walls to provide retention and resistance, while leaving enough remaining tooth structure to provide protection to the pulp of the tooth. The new crown is made to fit the prepared tooth exactly for the most snug fit and longevity of the tooth and crown.
Reasons for Needing a Crown:
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Decayed teeth.
- Large fillings.
- Fractured fillings.
- Misshaped teeth.
- Replace a tooth on an implant.
- Anchor a dental bridge in place.
- Restore a tooth that has had a root canal.
There are several different types of crowns. We offer Porcelain, Bruxzir Zirconia, Lava Ultimate, Porcelain Fused to Metal, and Gold crowns.
- Porcelain crowns look very natural and are the most ideal for cosmetic cases. Porcelain crown are used mostly in the front teeth due to their very natural and esthetic look. Now with great advancements in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain crowns can look just as natural or even better than your original teeth.
- Bruxzir Zirconia crowns are great in strength and are used in the back teeth since they can withstand the occlusal forces. Zirconia crowns are still very natural and esthetic looking, and a great alternative for patients who do not want metal.
- Lava Ultimate is a Zirconia framework with Porcelain on top. This unique hybrid offers the very esthetic natural appearance of porcelain but is also a very strong product that can withstand the occlusal forces.
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns, have a metal framework, with porcelain covering the metal. They are not as esthetic as Porcelain crowns, however they were traditionally used for strength. They can easily be used on the back teeth, were strength is necessary.
- Gold crowns are a true art form. They require the least amount of natural tooth structure removed. While they are not esthetic, they have high strength and are incredibly long lasting.
What does getting a crown involve?
A Crown procedure requires two appointments. The first appointment will include shaping the tooth and removing all decay from the tooth. Several impressions will be taken during this first appointment. The first impression will be used to make a temporary crown, which will remain on the tooth for about two weeks, until the custom crown is created. The second impression is to send to the dental laboratory where they can custom create an esthetic crown.
The second appointment will be the delivery of your final crown. We will start by removing the temporary crown and cleaning the tooth. Your new crown will be placed and checked for all the proper makings of an esthetic crown and to ensure its longevity and your happiness with the appearance.
