For heavily compromised teeth, a crown may be the recommended restoration. A history of excessive forces such as clenching and grinding can fracture and crack the teeth. Widespread decay or very large, defective fillings can also take a toll on the teeth. Teeth that are severely broken down or not fully functional are common candidate for crowns, as well. Crowns are designed to protect and preserve your own tooth’s structural integrity.
A damaged tooth is not only uncomfortable; it can be unattractive in many instances. A dental crown is a widely utilized restorative option because it provides strength and stability where necessary. Fortunately, crowns can also be customized to a beautiful and natural appearance, improving the look and feel of the natural teeth.
Traditionally, dentists could only use amalgam, gold, and other metals to fix damaged and decayed teeth. While these options were proven to be durable, creating an attractive restoration was challenging. Today, strong tooth-colored ceramic materials are also an option to restore your teeth to their natural strength and beauty. Porcelain or ceramic materials are biocompatible; meaning the risk for an allergic response is low.
Your dentist will recommend a crown when it is necessary to completely cover, or cap, the entire tooth. The procedure generally involves the use of a local anesthetic for comfort. The existing defective filling and decay are removed from the tooth. The tooth will be shaped and prepared for the new crown, and an impression of the tooth is taken. This impression is critical to ensuring that your new crown fits well and provides adequate coverage.
Your crown will be designed with precision and shade matched to mimic the natural tooth appearance. Once the crown is in place, it should blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth and feel completely natural during eating and drinking. Crowns are considered permanent restorations and will not require any additional maintenance in terms of your homecare routine.
For more information about how you can improve the appearance of your natural teeth with , contact our dentistry team at 303 -730-1222 to schedule a consultation.