Can Dental Crowns Improve Your Smile?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, and strength. They are crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination and are tailored to fit snugly over the prepared tooth. Crowns not only enhance the tooth's functionality but also improve its appearance. By correcting issues such as discoloration, irregular shape, or size discrepancies, crowns can significantly enhance your smile. Porcelain and ceramic crowns, in particular, blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a natural-looking finish that boosts aesthetic appeal and self-confidence. 

Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown 

• If a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling alone, a crown may be needed to protect and strengthen the tooth. 

• A cracked or fractured tooth, especially if the damage affects its structure, might require a crown to prevent further breakage and restore function. 

• Teeth with large fillingsthat compromise the remaining tooth structure might need crowns to provide additional support and prevent the tooth from cracking. 

• A tooth is often weakened after a root canal procedure and may need a crown to protect and restore its strength and function. 

• Teeth that are significantly worn down due to grinding, erosion, or other factors may need crowns to rebuild their shape and function. 

• If you have teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or uneven, crowns can be used to improve their appearance and enhance your smile. 

• Crowns are also used with dental implants or bridges to replace missing teeth and restore both function and aesthetics. 

The Dental Crown Procedure 

The dental crown procedure is a multi-step process designed to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth. It begins with an initial consultation, where the dentist evaluates your tooth and oral health. This may involve taking X-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay and to ensure that the tooth and surrounding bone are healthy enough to support a crown. During this visit, our dentist in Aurora, CO, will discuss the types of crowns available, the material options, and what to expect throughout the procedure. 

The next step is tooth preparation, which involves reshaping the damaged tooth to make space for the crown. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you are comfortable during the procedure. The dentist removes any decay or damage from the tooth and shapes it to accommodate the crown. Impressions of the prepared tooth are then taken using a putty-like material or digital scanning technology, which will be used to create a custom crown. 

While your permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain functionality. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic or metal and will remain in place until the permanent crown is ready. The fabrication of the permanent crown typically takes a few weeks, during which time your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory. 

Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist's office for placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the dentist checks the fit and appearance of the permanent crown. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable and natural fit. Once the fit is confirmed, the dentist cements the crown onto the prepared tooth and cleans up any excess cement. Finally, our dentist will provide care instructions and may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the crown is functioning correctly and address any concerns.Contact usto learn more. 

How Dental Crowns Can Improve Your Smile 

Restoring Tooth Appearance 

Dental crowns in Aurora, CO, can dramatically enhance your smile by improving the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth. Made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, crowns are designed to mimic natural teeth' color, translucency, and sheen. This makes them an excellent choice for correcting cosmetic issues such as staining, chips, or irregular shapes. By covering these imperfections, crowns restore the tooth's aesthetic appeal and help create a more uniform and attractive smile. 

Rebuilding Tooth Structure 

Crownsplay a crucial role in rebuilding and maintaining the shape and size of teeth compromised by decay, trauma, or excessive wear. When a tooth is worn down or cracked, a crown covers and strengthens it, restoring its original structure. This improves the tooth's appearance and ensures it functions appropriately. A well-fitting crown can make a significant difference in your smile's overall balance and symmetry. 

Concealing Imperfections 

Crowns can effectively conceal teeth with large fillings, significant decay, or previous damage. By covering these issues, crownsprovide a smooth and natural-looking surface, hiding problems that might affect the aesthetics of your smile. This is particularly beneficial for those with teeth visible when they smile or speak, as it allows for a more polished and pleasing appearance. 

Maintaining Alignment and Spacing 

Crowns also help maintain proper tooth alignment and spacing. When a damaged or missing tooth is restored with a crown, it prevents neighboring teeth from shifting or drifting out of place. This is essential for preserving the integrity of your bite and smile alignment. Ensuring that your teeth remain appropriately aligned, crowns contribute to a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile. 

The dental crown procedure is designed to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth, ensuring a comfortable and durable solution that enhances both oral health and aesthetics. Visit H&M Family Dentistry at 2711 S Parker Rd., Aurora, CO 80014, or call (303) 353-9611 to book your consultation today and discover how a dental crown can protect your tooth and enhance your smile for years.