Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns
Sometimes, a chipped or cracked tooth, a tooth worn down over time, or noticeable discoloration can shatter your dream of a perfect smile. There’s no need to despair, though, because we have a treatment that saves teeth and improves the appearance of your smile: Dental Crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers an existing tooth or tops a dental implant. Crowns are made of porcelain or other durable materials capable of withstanding the forces of everyday biting and chewing. We offer porcelain crowns for their natural appearance and strength. Once a porcelain crown is in place, it is nearly impossible to distinguish from the surrounding natural teeth.
Why Would Someone Need a Crown?
Crowns are very versatile, with restorative and cosmetic applications. Most of the time, we use dental crowns to:
- protect weak teeth or hold cracked teeth together
- restore teeth that are broken or severely worn down
- cover and support teeth with large fillings
- hold a dental bridge in place
- cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth
- finish dental implants
What is the Process to Have a Crown Placed?
Getting a dental crown usually takes two appointments. During the first appointment, we gather information to craft your crown to fit inside your mouth comfortably and blend in with your smile seamlessly. You will also get a temporary crown to wear while your permanent one is being made. At the second appointment, we will bond the crown in place and polish it to perfection. Recovery should take no more than a few days, and any discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. We will ask that you be careful around the treatment area while it’s healing to avoid potentially damaging the sensitive gum tissue. Once the healing process is over, you can resume normal eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing without a problem. And your smile will be stronger!
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental crowns typically last for around 10 years with proper care and good oral hygiene. Because they are made of dental-grade porcelain, they are strong enough to stay securely in place with normal biting, chewing, brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. The important thing is to be mindful of any habits that may compromise the integrity of your crown, like chewing on objects like pens or pencils and biting into hard candy or ice. You should always maintain your twice-yearly visits to our office for professional cleanings and examinations to keep your dental work in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
You deserve to have a smile that makes you proud and fills you with confidence. Dental crowns are a great option for patients with various cosmetic and restorative needs and may be right for you. If you want to learn more, call us to make an appointment at our dental office located in Meeker, CO. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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