Dental Crowns 101
Sometimes in life you just need a do-over. That’s precisely what a crown is—a new start for your tooth.
Teeth are important players in your life—they do everything from begin your digestion to make a great first impression—and you deserve a beautiful, fully functioning set. If your teeth need a boost in any way, or a real makeover, a crown might be just what you need.
A crown is a custom-made shell that fits perfectly over your natural tooth. Crowns look and act exactly like your original tooth, only better. Crowns support broken or badly decayed teeth and they cover and restore discolored teeth. Crowns are also used over dental implants and to build a dental bridge.
Dr. Whalen, Cornelius dentist at Whalen Dentistry shares what you need to know about getting a crown.
If You Need A Crown
Getting a crown usually takes two trips to the dentist. On the first trip, the dentist makes a plan to suit your specific needs and prepares the tooth. You will also get impressions of the tooth so that a crown can be made to fit perfectly over the natural tooth. On the second trip, your crown is installed and cemented on. A crown is a permanent or “fixed” dental piece. This makes it very stable and durable.
In some cases, a crown can be designed, fabricated and placed in a single appointment with the help of advanced same day technology.
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials and each has their own benefit. Talk with your dentist when choosing between crowns made of porcelain, resin, or metal.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Crowns are a superior restorative dentistry treatment in both form and function. Because they are individually made, your Cornelius dentist can give unique attention to each tooth to make sure it looks and acts just like a natural tooth.
- Form: Crowns look completely natural and are made with materials that match your teeth, they do not stain, and they fill in your smile for a beautiful set of pearly whites!
- Function: Crowns stay perfectly locked in place, they protect your tooth underneath from damage and decay, they can last a decade, and they are comfortable, fitting totally naturally in your mouth.
Getting & Maintaining a Crown
You can (and should) care for a crown the same way you do all of your other teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist regularly. You should also take good care to be gentle on your teeth in order to preserve your crown and prevent you from needing another one down the road. This means not grinding your teeth or using them to open packaging and bottles.
It might take a while to get used to the feel of your newly crowned tooth, but after a little time, you’ll settle right in and it will feel completely comfortable and natural, and much better than it did before! And except for when you notice your beautiful reflection with a completely healthy 25smile, you’ll eventually forget you even have it.
If you’re interested in a crown, Whalen Dentistry would love to take care of you. Call us today for an appointment, and you’ll be on your way to a new smile in no time!