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Esthetic Crowns
Aesthetic crowns are extremely versatile for a number of reasons. Not only do they prevent future fractures or damage to existing teeth, but they can be combined to form larger and more complex restorations, such as bridges or dentures. If you need an aesthetic crown, we will make sure it fits over your natural tooth, ensuring long-lasting protection. If you want to restore your smile, we can help you here at Lexington Dental of Frisco, TX! Our caring team specializes in restoring smiles to the fullest!
Esthetic Crowns
How a Dental Crown Restores a Tooth
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is custom-made to match your teeth and bite. The tooth must first be reshaped to accommodate the permanent crown, which typically takes 1-2 weeks to craft, during which period the patient wears a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
Some dental offices can mill permanent crowns in-house for same-day placement. After the permanent crown has been crafted, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth and carefully checked for proper placement, fit and bite. The result is a long-lasting and fully functional tooth restoration! Crowns are an excellent choice of restoration for many types of dental issues, such as:
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To strengthen and protect a decayed tooth, e.g. one with decay too large to be repaired by a filling
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To restore a badly worn down, chipped or cracked tooth
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To change or restore the shape, size or color of a tooth
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To complete a larger dental restoration, such as a dental implant or bridge
Esthetic Crowns
Dental Crown Materials
Crowns can be made of many different materials, chiefly: ceramic (porcelain-based), porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys. There are strengths and disadvantages to each type of material.
1. Base Metal Alloys: Base metal alloys are very strong and highly resistant to corrosion and wear, as well as gentle to opposing teeth. A base metal alloy crown typically requires the least amount of tooth structure to be removed.
2. Gold Alloys: Gold alloys adhere strongly to the tooth structure and are highly biocompatible with gum tissue. It is resistant to wear and fracture and does not wear away opposing teeth.
3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns: PRM crowns provide a good strength and seal to the teeth, preventing leakage and decrease recurring tooth decay. A moderate amount of tooth structure must be removed, but PFM crowns offer a stronger restoration than porcelain alone and are quite durable and strong. However over time, dark grey or black lines can begin to appear at the gum line as the metal base begins to show through.
4. Ceramic: Ceramic is especially recommended for restoring front teeth due to its highly natural appearance. Porcelain crowns can be shade-matched exactly to the shade of your other teeth, and unless damaged are highly resistant to staining. More tooth structure often must be removed for porcelain crown restorations, and because the material is not as durable as the other options it is not recommended for teeth that sustain heavy biting and chewing.
Esthetic Crowns
The Dental Crown Procedure
As with any dental treatment, an initial consultation is needed to determine that a crown is the ideal choice for you. We will also confirm that your tooth and surrounding structure are in good health, and from which material to craft your custom-made crown. Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits.
During the first visit, Dr. Eunyoung Shim will numb the area and shape the tooth so that a crown can fit over it. They will take an impression, which will be sent to a dental lab where the crown is created to beautifully match your other teeth. He will fit you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the crown is being made, which generally takes about two weeks.
On the second visit, Dr. Eunyoung Shim will thoroughly inspect the permanent crown to ensure the correct size, shape and color. They will then remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown into place, again checking to be sure that fit, bite and aesthetics are correct. You will be given care instructions to ensure that your crown lasts a very long time. With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-20 years or even a lifetime!
Esthetic Crowns
How to Keep Esthetic Crowns
Taking care of a dental crown is simple, and just requires that you practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. Though the crown itself will not decay, the tooth underneath can still develop decay or cavities, so it is just as important as ever to clean your teeth regularly and thoroughly.
Don’t forget to gently clean the areas between your teeth and below the gum line with floss daily! After a short adjustment period, a well placed and fitting crown should feel and function just like your natural teeth. With proper oral hygiene and care, dental crowns can last 10 to 20 years!
Have any questions or concerns about how to take care of your esthetic dental restorations? Don’t hesitate to Lexington Dental, we’ll be happy to help!
