When a tooth is extensively damaged by decay or injury, a dental crown can help to restore the structural integrity of the tooth, as well as improve its appearance. Dental crowns are made of materials that mimic the appearance of biological teeth, so it’s practically impossible to identify a tooth that has been fitted with a crown from its natural neighbor. Furthermore, the dental crown treatment process can be completed in a rather short timeframe, which is also appealing to patients wanting to preserve the appearance of their smiles.
Dental Crowns And Aesthetic Improvements
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that your dentist will recommend if the cavity affecting a tooth is too large to be adequately addressed by a smaller restoration, such as a filling, or if facial trauma has resulted in a substantial injury to the tooth. Such issues can result in both structural and aesthetic concerns.
Dental crowns may be made from porcelain, metal, ceramics or porcelain fused to metal for extra strength. The porcelain or ceramic crowns can be tailored to match the shade of your natural teeth and blend in with the rest of your smile. Keep in mind that the color of a dental crown cannot be further altered after it is bonded to your tooth. Therefore, if you are considering a teeth whitening treatment in combination with your crown, you’ll need to have your teeth whitened before the crown is placed so that everything will match.
What should I expect from dental crown treatment?
The process of getting a dental crown takes place over the course of a few weeks, beginning with an initial evaluation in which your dentist collects the information needed to design the crown. Your tooth may also be prepped for crown placement at this session, which involves removing a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to make room for the crown. You may be able to wear a temporary crown while you are waiting for the permanent restoration.
The information gathered at the initial appointment will be sent to a dental lab that is responsible for creating your crown, which usually takes a couple of weeks. When it is finished, you will return to our office to have it placed.
Dental crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth in a variety of circumstances. To learn more about the benefits of this treatment, contact our team at Brend Dental to schedule a consultation.