2805 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134
Improving the strength and appearance of damaged teeth.
Crowns are a form of cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. They are typically recommended for teeth that are damaged, worn down, or affected by tooth decay.
When a crown is placed, it is cemented onto the existing tooth, covering the portion of the tooth above the gum line. Essentially, the crown becomes the new outer surface of the tooth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both materials. Porcelain crowns are often preferred because they closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth while also offering durability.
Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength to support a filling. Unlike fillings placed directly in your mouth, a crown is created outside of your mouth. Your crown is custom-made in a lab using your tooth impression, allowing a dental technician to evaluate your bite and jaw movements. This guarantees that your crown fits your bite and jaw movements, enabling normal function after placement.
Reasons for Getting a Crown
- Broken or fractured teeth: Crowns can restore the original shape and size of a broken or cracked tooth.
- Large fillings: Crowns may be necessary to provide added strength and support to a tooth with a large filling.
- Decayed teeth: Crowns can protect the remaining tooth structure in cases of severe tooth decay.
- Fractured fillings: A crown can replace a fractured or damaged filling.
- Cosmetic enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth.
- Root canal treatment: Crowns can protect a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
The Crown Procedure
- First Appointment: During your first visit, our dentists will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom crown. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Second Appointment: At the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be meticulously placed to ensure proper fit and bite.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Strength and durability: Crowns are made from strong materials that can endure over time with proper maintenance.
- Enhanced appearance: Crowns can enhance the natural aesthetics of your teeth, improving the overall appearance of your smile.
- Restored functionality: Crowns allow you to eat and speak without difficulty. They also provide protection by shielding damaged teeth from further decay or breakage.