How Can A Dental Crown Improve My Smile?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTAL CROWN TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND APPEARANCE OF YOUR SMILE
Your smile should consist of 32 teeth (or 28 once your wisdom teeth are extracted). Even though a problem with a single tooth may not feel like a major deal, it actually can be. One infected tooth that doesn’t get handled can impact all your other teeth and gums. A chipped or cracked front tooth can ruin the overall look of your smile. And just one missing tooth can impact the alignment of all of your other teeth. Board-certified dentists in Cary, NC generally use dental crowns to heal, protect, or replace a single tooth. At DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads, we offer high-quality crowns that look and feel natural. Read on to learn about how dental crowns can be used, different types of crowns, and what to expect when you have a crown placed:

REASONS TO GET A DENTAL CROWN
There are lots of reasons why your dentist may recommend a dental crown. A crown can offer strength or protection when a tooth is chipped, cracked, or develops a large cavity. A custom crown can also replace a missing tooth or hide discoloration to improve the overall look of your smile.

  • CHIPPED TOOTH
    While a chip in your tooth may not look to be a major deal, it can weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to cavities and infection. A crown does not only improve the overall look of a chipped tooth, but also, it offers protection.
  • CRACKED TOOTH
    A tooth with a crack can be kept together and protected from further damage with a dental crown. Once your dentist has determined there’s no infection and carefully cleaned the crack, a dental crown can be placed on the tooth.
  • A LARGE CAVITY
    If a cavity is too large to be corrected with a regular filling, your dentist may recommend a crown to protect and cover your tooth once the decayed area has been removed.
  • A MISSING TOOTH
    Whether your tooth is lost from a crash, decay, or another reason, you should get it replaced with a custom crown. If one of the front teeth are missing, it can impact the overall look of your smile, but there are other reasons to replace a lost tooth. A missing tooth allows your other teeth to shift into misalignment, which can cause bigger issues, like TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
  • COSMETIC DENTISTRY
    To improve the shape, color, and overall appearance of your smile, you may get custom-made crowns to hide small or discolored teeth. Also known as getting your teeth “capped,” dental crowns may be part of a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
  • AFTER A ROOT CANAL
    Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from interior the tooth and replaces it with a dental filling material. However, generally, a dentist will still place a crown over the tooth for added strength and protection.

TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS
If you require a crown, your dentist will talk to you about what kind of crown is best for your unique needs and goals. Depending on where the tooth is that’s receiving the crown and how you want your smile to look, a ceramic or metal crown could be recommended. If you are replacing a lost tooth, you might also pick an implanted crown.

  • GOLD
    Lots of patients like the strength and appearance of a gold crown. Generally, a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals, a gold crown can be used on the back or front teeth to add a little sparkle to your smile.
  • AN IMPLANT CROWN
    An implant crown is used to replace a missing tooth. After the metal post has been surgically implanted in the jawbone, a custom crown can be attached.
  • METAL COVERED IN PORCELAIN
    If you want both strength and a great appearance, a crown made of porcelain over metal is a great choice. Ideal for the pre-molars and molars, this crown combines the strength of metal along with the natural appearance of porcelain.
  • METAL
    The strongest type of crowns, a metal crown is good for the less visible pre-molars and molars. A mix of corrosion-resistant metals, a metal crown offers extra durability and strength.
  • ALL-CERAMIC
    A ceramic crown is usually preferred for the visible teeth. Contoured and shaded to match your other teeth, a ceramic crown gives you an attractive result.

A ONE-DAY CROWN
After you and your dentist have decided on what sort of crown you will get; your appointment will be scheduled. Typically, your dentist will need to file down some of your existing tooth to make room for the crown. This will allow it to fit comfortably over your tooth without leaving too much or not enough room for the surrounding teeth. After your tooth is prepped, your dentist will take digital x-rays and impressions, which are used to design your custom-made crown. Some Cary, NC dentists offer same-day all-ceramic crowns, which are custom designed and made in their office using state-of-the-art dental 3-D printers. Depending on your dentist and the sort of crown you are getting, a one-day restoration may not be possible. If your crown is being made in a dental laboratory, your dentist can place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it while your custom crown is created by professionals. An implant-supported restoration will also require more time, since it takes about 3 – 6 months for the metal post to integrate with your bone and gums so it is strong enough to attach to the crown. Your dentist will talk to you about what to expect and outline your customized treatment plan before the process begins.

WHEN YOUR CROWN IS READY
Whether your crown is made the same day in your dentist’s office or at a dental laboratory, once it is ready, your dentist can finish your treatment. If a temporary cover was needed, it will be carefully removed. The tooth will be disinfected and dried before the crown is adhered over it. Once the crown is in place, your dentist can make tiny adjustments to improve the fit and appearance. Before you leave, your dentist will go over care instructions to help your crown last quite a while.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR DENTAL CROWN
Once your crown is in place, you’ll want to make sure it stays strong and healthy. Depending on the material of your crown, your dentist may recommend special care, like specific cleaning products or extra appointments. Generally, you should care for your crown like your other teeth with twice daily brushing and flossing. While they are more resistant to stains in contrast to your natural enamel, porcelain or ceramic crowns can develop stains, and that means you need to brush your teeth soon after using tobacco products or eating and drinking things like coffee, tea, and berries. It’s advisable to steer clear of hard or sticky foods (for example, ice or caramel) to avoid breaking or pulling off your crown. If your crown does come out or breaks, contact your dentist to get an urgent appointment and ask for advice on storing your crown until you get there. It’s also wise to visit your dentist in Cary, NC twice a year for an exam and professional cleanings. This will give your dentist the opportunity to adjust your crown, if needed, or decide if it needs to be replaced or repaired. With proper care, your crown may last for a long time.

GET A CUSTOM CROWN AND SMILE MORE
If you have a weak, damaged, or missing tooth, ask a dentist in Cary, NC about getting a custom dental crown. At DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads, we offer different crown types as well as implant-supported crowns to fit your needs and goals. Schedule an appointment at our practice in Cary, NC to learn more about your options and how a crown can improve the appearance of your smile and health of your mouth.