Crowning Glory: Unveiling the Magic of Dental Crowns for a Dazzling Smile
Posted by Floss Family Dentistry Jan 19, 2024
If you've ever dreamt of a dazzling smile that turns heads and lights up rooms, then it's time to uncover the secrets behind this dental marvel. Dental crowns, also known as caps, are like little fairy godmothers for your teeth – they can restore their strength, enhance their appearance, and give you the confidence to show off your pearly whites.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are a variety of options available to suit your individual needs. Let's take a closer look at some of the different types:
- Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are known for their natural appearance, as they can be matched to the color and shade of your existing teeth. They are ideal for front teeth or highly visible areas.
- Metal Crowns: Made from alloys like gold or silver, metal crowns offer durability and strength. While they may not blend in with your natural teeth as seamlessly as porcelain crowns, they are an excellent choice for molars that require extra support.
- Ceramic Crowns: These crowns provide both aesthetics and functionality. They are resistant to staining and maintain a lifelike appearance, making them suitable for any tooth in your mouth.
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength and durability, zirconia crowns are an excellent option if you have experienced extensive damage or wear on your teeth.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown
First things first, before placing the dental crown, your dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth to ensure it's healthy enough for the procedure. If there are any underlying issues like decay or infection, these will be addressed first. Next comes preparing the tooth. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth and carefully shape it to create space for the crown. Don't worry; this process is painless!
Once your tooth is prepped, an impression will be taken to capture its exact shape and size. This impression acts as a mold from which your custom-made crown will be created. While waiting for your permanent crown to be fabricated at a dental lab (usually takes about two weeks), you'll wear a temporary one provided by your dentist. It's crucial to take extra care during this time period and avoid chewing sticky or hard foods that could damage or dislodge the temporary crown.
When your permanent crown is ready, you'll return to see your dentist for its placement. They'll remove the temporary one and check if everything fits perfectly before cementing it into place using a special dental adhesive.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply improving the appearance of your smile.
- One major advantage is their ability to restore and strengthen damaged teeth. If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or weakened by decay, a dental crown can provide the necessary support to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
- Another benefit of dental crowns is their durability. Made from strong materials such as porcelain or metal alloys, they are designed to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing for many years. This means that once you receive a dental crown, you can expect it to last for a long time with proper care.
- In addition to their functional benefits, dental crowns also enhance the aesthetics of your smile. They can be customized in terms of shape, size, and color to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Whether you wish to correct discoloration or reshape misshapen teeth, dental crowns offer an effective solution for achieving a more attractive smile.
- Furthermore, dental crowns can help improve your overall oral health by restoring proper alignment and bite function. By filling gaps caused by missing teeth or correcting misaligned bites, they contribute to better oral hygiene habits and reduce the risk of developing gum disease or other complications.
At Floss Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental services using advanced technology. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with us, call us at (801) 610-7200 or visit our dental office at 2183 West Main Street, Suite 301A, Lehi, UT 84043.