Dental Crowns 101

Sometimes in life, you just need a do-over. That’s precisely what dental crowns are—a new start for your tooth.

Teeth are important players in your life! They’re not only the first responders for your digestive tract, but they can make a great first impression – so you deserve a beautiful, fully-functioning set. If your teeth need a real makeover, a crown might be just the thing you need.

A crown is a custom-made shell that fits perfectly over your natural tooth. Crowns look and act exactly like your original tooth – but better. Crowns restore broken and badly decayed or discolored teeth. Crowns also top off dental implants and build dental bridges. 

Dr. April Davis, Waterville dentist at Gracious Smiles Aesthetic General Dentistry shares more information about getting a dental crown below.

If You Need A Crown

Getting a crown usually requires two trips to the dentist. On the first trip, the dentist makes a plan to suit your specific needs and prepares the tooth. You will also get impressions of the tooth so that a crown can be made to fit perfectly over the natural tooth. On the second trip, your crown is installed and cemented on. A crown is a permanent or “fixed” dental piece. This makes it very stable and durable.

In some cases, a crown can be designed, fabricated and placed in a single appointment with the help of advanced same-day technology.

Crowns can be made of a variety of materials and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Talk with your dentist when choosing between crowns made of porcelain, resin, or metal.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns are superior restorative dentistry treatment in both form and function. Because they are individually made, your Waterville dentist can give unique attention to each tooth to make sure it looks and acts just like a natural tooth.

• Form: Crowns look completely natural and are made of materials that match your teeth, they do not stain, and they fill in your smile for a beautiful set of pearly whites! 
• Function: Crowns stay perfectly locked in place, they protect your tooth underneath from damage and decay, and they are comfortable, fitting totally naturally in your mouth. They can last a decade or longer if cared for properly.

Getting & Maintaining a Crown

You can (and should) care for a crown the same way you do all of your other teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist regularly. You should also try to be gentle with your teeth to preserve your crown and prevent you from needing another one down the road. This means not grinding your teeth or using them to open packaging and bottles.

It might take a while to get used to the feel of your newly crowned tooth, but after a little time, it will feel completely comfortable and natural, even much better than it did before! 

If you’re interested in a crown, Gracious Smiles Aesthetic General Dentistry would love to take care of you. Contact us today for an appointment, and you’ll be on your way to a new smile in no time!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.