A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may have sustained damage or blemishes. Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell at a glance that you are wearing a crown. Since it can last for years, a crown is considered a long-term prosthetic that does not require regular replacement.
The role of dental crowns
A dental crown can cover up blemishes on the tooth, such as small cracks and discoloration that are not severe enough for fillings or bonding. It can also restore the shape of a tooth if it has been chipped; in some cases, even crookedness can be addressed with a crown.
How dental crowns work
A dental crown can be made from various materials, including porcelain and metal. The dentist will need to shave away part of the enamel from the tooth receiving a crown for two reasons: to provide space for the crown so the tooth does not become too bulky and to create a roughened surface to which the crown can bond.
Then, the dentist applies a bonding agent like dental cement, which hardens and holds the crown in place over the tooth. From that point onward, the crown serves as a cover or cap, shielding the vulnerable interior of the tooth from damage. While a dental crown is often used to save a tooth from decay, it can also help create a smoother tooth surface or even give the impression that a crooked tooth is straight.
Taking care of crowns
Dental crowns look just like natural teeth, but it is essential to remember that they are artificial. While they are strong and durable, the materials that crowns are made of are not quite as strong as enamel. Therefore, patients must be sure to avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice cubes, pencils, and hard candy or popcorn kernels.
Brush and floss a dental crown like a normal tooth. While crowns cannot decay like enamel can, they still need regular care to stay in good shape. Failure to clean a crown can lead to bacterial buildup and the formation of plaque and tartar, which may irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. Additionally, the seam between the natural tooth and the bonded crown can become vulnerable if left unclean, which may cause the crown to come loose later.
Enhance your smile with dental crowns
If you are self-conscious about your smile due to teeth issues, a dental crown could be a simple solution. Contact our office to share your vision for your teeth, and learn whether a dental crown is the best option for getting there. We would be happy to answer any questions and fit you for a custom crown that suits your smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.7300FranceDental.com or call France Dental at (952) 254-4266 for an appointment in our Edina office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crown in Edina, MN.
Recent Posts
A dental crown may last a lifetime. But sometimes, even a good-quality crown can break. If your dental crown broke, it is important to find out what happened in order to avoid future problems. Read on to find out why dental crowns break.A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth to…
Looking for information on whether a dental crown or dental bridge is better for repairing damaged teeth? These two popular tooth repair options are commonly used to fix problem teeth. When it comes to which option should be used, it depends on the reason why each patient needs dental repair. Read on to find out…
Dental crowns are to thank for restoring teeth that are in bad shape. However, once they are placed, it is up to the patient to ensure that the crown does its job.There are a few things that dentists recommend once a dental crown has been placed. These recommendations can be extremely helpful when trying to…
Luckily, in most cases of a tooth being damaged a dental crown can help in repairing the tooth so the natural tooth root is still intact.The crown will be positioned over the root and keep any food or drink from irritating the area. However, keeping the crown in good condition is just as important as…