Cracking the Code to a Confident Smile
Dental crowns play a crucial role in modern dentistry, serving as versatile solutions for various dental issues. These prosthetic devices are custom-made to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. Our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, restorative dentists, Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran can restore your smile with custom dental crowns.
Read our guide to learn about dental crowns and see if they may benefit your smile. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, call our Wilmington, DE office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE office at (302) 536-7589.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps or tooth caps, are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to cover and encase a damaged or weakened tooth. Serving the dual purpose of restoring the tooth’s structure and enhancing its appearance, these restorations are created using our in-office milling machine during your dental examination.
Crafted from various materials, our Brown & Baran Family Dentistry’s dental crowns offer a versatile solution for addressing many dental issues. The custom-made nature of these crowns ensures they resemble your natural teeth, providing a secure and comfortable fit for your smile. Our team takes impressions beforehand to guarantee the crown’s seamless integration, promising a lasting restoration that preserves both the function and aesthetics of your teeth for many years to come.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are diverse options available for dental crowns. Here are some common types of dental crowns:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are known for their natural appearance, mimicking the translucency of natural teeth. They’re a popular choice for front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal. Porcelain is biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, often made of alloys containing gold, nickel, or chromium, are renowned for their strength and durability. They’re commonly used for molars where strength is crucial. These crowns require less removal of the natural tooth structure compared to some alternatives.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, offering a balanced solution. The metal provides stability, while the outer layer resembles the natural tooth color.
All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are prized for their natural appearance and are a popular choice for front teeth. They’re suitable for individuals with metal allergies and offer a compelling blend of aesthetics and durability.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Our dental crowns come with a host of restorative and cosmetic benefits, such as:
- Comprehensive Tooth Restoration: Dental crowns provide a robust solution for restoring teeth that have undergone extensive decay, fractures, or wear, ensuring the structural integrity of the tooth is fully reinstated.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our dental crowns contribute to the improvement of your smile’s appearance, addressing issues like discoloration, irregular shapes, or gaps between teeth.
- Tailored for Maximum Comfort: Each dental crown is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely, ensuring a comfortable and seamless integration with your natural dentition.
- Functional Support and Durability: Offering more than just cosmetic benefits, dental crowns provide essential functional support to weakened or compromised teeth, allowing them to withstand the rigors of daily biting and chewing.
- Versatile Material Choices: Choose from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic options, allowing for customization based on your unique needs, preferences, and oral health considerations.
- Long-lasting and Durable: Well-maintained dental crowns boast a long lifespan, often lasting a decade or more, providing enduring durability and functionality.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Dental crowns can help minimize tooth sensitivity, especially in cases where the natural enamel has been compromised, contributing to a more comfortable oral experience.
- Support After Root Canal Treatment: Following a root canal procedure, dental crowns are frequently used to protect and strengthen treated teeth, reducing the risk of further damage or fractures.
- Customization for Your Smile: Our dental crowns offer a high level of customization to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend that enhances your overall smile aesthetics.
When Dental Crowns Are Needed?
Dental crowns are recommended in various situations to address issues such as:
- Dental Decay: Dental crowns are often recommended to restore teeth that have extensive decay. When a tooth is significantly compromised by cavities and traditional fillings are insufficient, a crown provides structural support and protects the remaining tooth.
- Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Teeth that are fractured or cracked, either due to trauma or wear and tear, can benefit from dental crowns. The crown covers and stabilizes the damaged tooth, preventing further deterioration and the risk of infection.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Dental crowns are employed for cosmetic purposes, improving the appearance of teeth with severe discoloration, irregular shapes, or sizes. This is especially common for front teeth, where aesthetics are a primary concern.
- Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, where the inner pulp of a tooth is removed, the tooth may become brittle. A dental crown is often recommended to provide strength and protection, reducing the risk of fractures.
- Dental Implants: Dental crowns are the visible component of dental implants, which replace missing teeth. The crown is attached to an implant surgically placed in the jawbone, creating a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.
The Dental Crown Procedure at our Wilmington and Seaford Dental Offices
Examination and Diagnosis
The dental crown process typically begins with a thorough examination and diagnosis. The dentist assesses the condition of the tooth, checking for decay, fractures, or other issues. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the extent of damage.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth preparation phase involves shaping your tooth to create space for the crown. This crucial step ensures a proper fit for the crown. The amount of tooth reduction depends on the type of crown chosen and the extent of the damage.
Impressions and Temporary Crowns
After tooth preparation, we’ll take impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions guide the dental laboratory in creating a custom crown. Meanwhile, a temporary crown is often placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
The Dental Crowns Process
Placing your dental crown can be done on the same day of your visit, depending on your preferences. Your dentist has the option to either create your crown with an in-office milling machine or send impressions of your tooth to a lab, depending on your oral health.
Permanent Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary crown, and carefully place and secure the permanent one. We’ll assess the fit, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite and alignment. Your dentist will also provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure the longevity of your restoration.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Maintaining optimal aftercare practices is crucial for the longevity and functionality of your dental crowns. Here’s how to ensure your crowns stay in excellent condition:
- Practicing Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent decay around the crown. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the crown’s surface.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crowns and address any potential issues early on. Professional cleanings contribute to the overall health of your oral environment.
- Promptly Addressing Discomfort or Changes: If you experience any discomfort, changes in bite, or notice visible damage to the crown, consult with your dentist promptly. Timely intervention can prevent more significant problems and extend the life of your crown.
Cost Considerations for Dental Crowns
Understanding the factors influencing the cost of dental crowns can help you make informed decisions about your oral health investment. Here are key considerations:
- Material Selection: The choice of crown material significantly affects the cost. Porcelain and ceramic crowns may be more expensive than metal options due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Extent of Treatment: The complexity of the dental procedure, including factors like the need for root canal treatment or additional dental work, can impact overall costs.
- Insurance Coverage: Dental insurance plans vary in coverage for crowns. It’s crucial to check your plan details, including any limitations or exclusions, to understand potential out-of-pocket expenses.
- Payment Options: Dental offices often provide various payment options, including payment plans, financing, or discounts for upfront payments. Discuss these options with your dental provider to find a suitable arrangement for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crown longevity varies depending on factors like material, oral hygiene, and individual habits. On average, they can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
The dental crown procedure itself isn’t painful as it’s performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, which usually subsides within a few days.
Yes, dental crowns can be replaced if they become damaged, or worn, or if there are changes in the surrounding teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help identify when a crown replacement may be necessary.
The duration of the dental crown procedure can vary based on factors such as tooth preparation, material chosen, and whether the crown is fabricated in-office or at a dental laboratory. In general, it may take two or more dental visits to complete the process.
Unlock Your Best Smile Yet – Schedule Your Dental Crown Visit!
If you’re considering dental crowns for restorative or cosmetic purposes, our experienced team of Brown & Baran Family Dentistry is here to guide you. Contact us by calling either our Wilmington, DE office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE practice at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your appointment today. Our office is proud to serve patients in Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE.
