Teeth can get damaged due to decay, trauma, or normal wear due to chewing pressure. Some people have smaller than average or misshaped teeth which affect their smiles. If you have such issues, a dentist can repair your smile using dental crowns in La Marque, TX. Read on to learn about dental crowns and their role in perfecting your smile.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-like caps placed on top of damaged teeth. Crowns disguise the appearance of flawed teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they cover the visible part of the teeth restoring their shape and function. Our dentist in La Marque can use dental crowns to give you a smile makeover.
What are the Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be made out of various materials. The dentist will choose a material based on the location and function of the tooth to be repaired. They will also consider how much of your tooth will show when you smile and how much natural tooth remains.
The types of dental crowns used include:
1) Stainless Steel Crowns
These are prefabricated crowns. They are used on permanent teeth temporarily while a permanent crown is made. Dentists also use them on primary teeth to prevent further decay and premature loss.
2) Metals Crowns
They are made from alloys such as gold, platinum, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium alloys. They are strong and durable, suitable for repairing molars and premolars.
3) Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
They are tooth-colored crowns suitable for repairing your smiling teeth. They combine the strength of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain, making them ideal for both front and back teeth.
4) Resin Dental Crowns
They are customized to match the shade of surrounding teeth for a perfect smile. However, resin crowns wear down over time and are prone to fractures.
5) Porcelain Dental Crowns
They are strong tooth-colored crowns suitable for front and back teeth. Porcelain crowns are suitable for people with metal allergies.
6) Pressed Ceramic Crowns
These crowns have a hard inner core and are capped with porcelain. They’re more long-lasting than an all-porcelain crown.
What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns?
The procedure for getting dental crowns varies with the type of crown used. Traditional dental crowns require two visits to our crown dentist at 77568. but same-day crowns take a single visit. Below are the general steps for a multi-day dental crown procedure:
- The dentist carefully examines the tooth to determine a suitable crown.
- They prepare the tooth by filing it down to remove the damaged or decayed parts. This step requires the administration of anesthetics to prevent pain.
- Next, they take scans or impressions of the tooth and its surrounding. It enables the fabrication of a crown.
- The dentist will put a temporary crown on the tooth for protection since it takes a few days to prepare a new crown.
- They send the scans or impressions to a dental lab that makes the crown. The fabrication may take weeks.
- You will return for a second visit once the permanent crown is prepared. The dentist will replace the temporary crown with a custom-made permanent crown.
What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Here are the benefits of getting tooth crowns:
- Protects a weak tooth from breaking or strengthening a cracked tooth
- Restores a broken or severely worn down tooth.
- Covers and reinforce a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Improves your smile by covering a discolored, misshaped, or smaller-than-average tooth
- Replaces a missing tooth using dental bridges or implants
- Strengthens and protects teeth with large dental fillings to prevent cracking
- The procedure is fast, painless, and straightforward
What are the Aftercare Tips for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns do not need special care. But you must protect the underlying tooth from decay or damage. Therefore, you should care for your crowns:
- Follow good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily. Focus on the area around the crown where the tooth meets your gums to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Avoid biting on hard substances or chewing hard or sticky foods. They can dislodge or crack the crown and damage the underlying tooth.
- Attend regular dental visits for oral exams and cleaning. The dentist will ensure your crowns remain in excellent condition for a long time.
Get Tooth Crowns Near You
Getting dental crowns to restore your smile is the best decision ever. These restorations transform your smile, enhancing your appearance and self-esteem. Contact us at South Star Dental to get dental crowns in La Marque, TX for a perfect smile!