The Complete Guide to Dental Crowns: Restoring Your Smile with Confidence

If you’re considering improving the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns may be a viable option. Whether you’re dealing with tooth decay, cracks, or discoloration, a dental crown can help restore your smile. However, it’s essential to know a few key things about dental crowns before undergoing treatment. Patients often have questions about the procedure, and we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help answer them. If you’re considering dental crowns, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and approach the process with confidence.   

Understanding Dental Crowns  

Dental crowns are custom-made dental caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. They help restore the natural aesthetic of your teeth, such as their shape, size, and strength. Usually, dental crowns in Athol are made of ceramic, porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. Once placed over the teeth, they blend in with your natural teeth, restoring your smile.   

Different types of dental crowns  

  • Porcelain crowns  

Porcelain crowns mimic the teeth’s natural color and offer excellent aesthetics. They are exceptionally stain-resistant and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, making them an ideal option for front teeth. 

  • Ceramic crowns  

Porcelain crowns are aesthetically appealing and provide a natural appearance. Ceramic crowns are a perfect alternative for those with metal allergies as they are made without any metal. 

  • Metal crowns  

These crowns are usually made using metal such as gold or silver alloys. They last longer and can withstand heavy bite force. However, they are not as visually appealing as other crowns and are preferred for restoring molars  

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns  

PFM crowns are made with a combination of metal and porcelain materials. The metal provides stability, and the porcelain cover offers a natural-looking tooth surface.   

Procedure for getting dental crowns:  

  • Examination and preparation  

During your first visit to the dental clinic, our dentist will examine the condition of your teeth using X-rays and assess your overall oral health. If a dental crown is recommended, the dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate the dental crown.   

  • Impression of teeth  

To make a custom-fitted crown, impressions of your teeth will be taken. This ensures your crown fits the tooth snugly and aligns with your bite.   

  • Placing a temporary crown  

Until your permanent crown arrives, a temporary crown will be used to protect the prepared tooth. Taking proper care of the temporary crown is essential to avoid further complications.    

  • Permanent crown placement  

Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the new crown into place. 

Benefits of dental crowns: 

  • Restores functionality  

Dental crowns strengthen weakened teeth, allowing for proper chewing and biting function without discomfort.   

  • Enhances appearance  

Dental crowns significantly improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or damaged teeth. It gives your teeth a natural-looking appearance and a confident smile.   

  • Durable 

With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a long-lasting solution for a beautiful smile. 

  • Protects teeth  

Once the dental crowns are in place, they act as a protective barrier to prevent further damage to the underlying tooth structure.   

Dental crowns have been proven to be an effective solution for restoring oral function and appearance. If you are looking for a dental crown in Athol, consider receiving treatment from an experienced dentist at Athol Family Dentists. Our team offers various services, including restorative, emergency, and general dentistry. We will carefully examine your oral health and provide reliable dental solutions that restore your functionality and smile. 

Contact us to learn if a dental crown is the right solution for you!