Restoring the Appearance of Your Smile
If you have a tooth that becomes damaged or decayed, it can feel like an uphill battle to restore your oral health. In some cases, the only way to save the structural integrity of a natural tooth, and preserve the look and function of your smile, is to add a dental crown.
A dental crown is a type of artificial tooth shell that will cover the damaged tooth. This restoration can change the colour, shape, and size of your tooth. Dental crowns are not 'one-size-fits-all.' Your crowns will be custom-made to fit your unique smile.
Crowns are strong and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, resin and metal. They look and function like natural teeth, and if cared for properly, they can last 10 years or more.
A dental crown might be right for you if you've had to undergo extensive restorative dental care, such as a root canal. This dental restoration can help rebuild your smile and give you back the confidence you had before any damage or decay became present. With this long-lasting restoration, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, natural-looking smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure
If you are having a dental crown placed, it is usually done in two visits.
At your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing enamel and decay or damaged tooth material. They will then take an impression of the tooth, which will be used to create your crown. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist may fit you with a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to be created.
Once your new crown is ready, you will return for a second visit where your temporary crown, if you have one, will be removed. The dentist will look at the appearance and fit to ensure the bite and jaw function are normal, and that it looks natural with the rest of the teeth before permanently bonding your crown to your tooth.
When are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns can be a solution for a variety of dental problems. Some of the reasons a dentist may place a dental crown would be to:
- Restore damaged teeth
- Complete a dental implant
- Cover up discoloured teeth
- Support a cracked or weak tooth
- Protect a tooth after a root canal