What are Dental Crowns?
If one or more of your teeth are affected by decay, chips, cracks, or other forms of damage, dental crowns may provide an ideal solution. Crowns offer both cosmetic and oral health benefits, reinforcing the structure of a tooth while helping to make a smile look full and natural again. Crowns are typically custom-made to blend seamlessly into each patient’s unique smile. They are carefully crafted to complement the surrounding natural teeth in terms of color, size, shape, and texture and to restore integrity to the patient’s bite.
In order to create a custom crown, the patient’s tooth must first be prepared and a mold must be taken. A temporary restoration is then used to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
In some cases, dental crowns are used to secure artificial teeth as part of a dental bridge. In other cases, crowns are attached to dental implants to replace missing teeth. The dental crown procedure generally involves two visits to the dentist over the course of two to three weeks. During your initial consultation with Dr. Diana Wohlstein, she’ll advise you on the best dental solution for your needs.
Who is a Dental Crown candidate?
While dental crowns can provide a significant cosmetic improvement to your smile, they can also provide strength and protection for damaged or weakened teeth. We may recommend a dental crown if:
- Your teeth are severely discolored
- Your teeth are misshapen or disproportionately small
- Your teeth are cracked or chipped
- Your teeth require additional support and strength
- Your teeth are severely decayed or otherwise damaged
- You are unable to comfortably chew food
- Your bite is not aligned properly
- The chewing surfaces of your teeth are worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding)
- The damage to your tooth is too extensive to support a filling, inlay, or onlay
- You have undergone root canal therapy and need to protect the remaining tooth structure
A suitable candidate for dental crowns must also have healthy gums, because the restorations will work in tandem with the remaining healthy portion of the tooth or dental implant to provide support for the crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, how well good oral hygiene practices are followed, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).