Understanding Your Options for Dental Crowns at New Town Dental

At New Town Dental, we specialize in providing dental crowns that fit your needs. Whether you're looking to restore a damaged tooth or want to improve the appearance of a discolored one, our skilled dentists can help. In this article, we'll provide an overview of dental crowns - their purpose, how they're made, and the different types available. We'll also delve into the various materials used for crowns and discuss our process for placing them. Lastly, we'll offer some advice on maintaining your crown once it has been installed.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as 'dental caps,' are essentially tooth-shaped coverings that fit snugly over the entire surface of a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are used in a number of dental procedures for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. They can help strengthen broken teeth, restore functionality to decayed teeth, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, and even anchor a dental bridge.

Dental crowns are typically made of a durable material like ceramic or porcelain, although they can also be made of metals or a combination of both. They're custom-made in a dental lab using impressions taken of your teeth during the crown fitting appointment at our office. Once your new crown is ready, it's cemented into place over your existing tooth, effectively 'capping' its surface.

The History of Dental Crowns

The use of dental crowns dates back centuries. Early forms were often made from metals such as gold or silver because these materials were pliable and easy to work with. Over time, however, the development of new materials allowed for more natural-looking options that closely mimic the appearance of real teeth.

Today's dental crowns are highly advanced and tailored specifically to each patient’s needs. Advancements in technology have led to improved design techniques, better fitting crowns, and a wider range of materials to choose from, making it easier than ever for dentists like us at New Town Dental to provide excellent care.

Types of Crowns at New Town Dental

At New Town Dental, we offer several types of dental crowns including:

• Ceramic Crowns: These are a popular choice for front teeth due to their natural appearance. They're made from a ceramic material and can be customized in terms of color, size, and shape.
• Porcelain Crowns: Like ceramic crowns, porcelain crowns provide an aesthetically pleasing result since they closely resemble the look of natural teeth. However, they're typically stronger than ceramic ones, making them suitable for back teeth.

Dental Crown Materials: An In-Depth Look

The choice of material for a dental crown can significantly impact its strength, appearance, and longevity. Here are some details about the common materials used:

1. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): This combination offers excellent durability along with aesthetic appeal. The metal provides strength while the porcelain covers it, giving it a more natural look.
2. All-ceramic: These are known for their excellent aesthetics because they closely mimic the appearance of real teeth. They're also very durable, making them ideal for front or back teeth.
3. Gold alloys: While gold crowns may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as ceramic or porcelain ones, they provide unmatched strength and durability. They're often used for molars since their strong nature can withstand heavy chewing forces.

Crowns at New Town Dental: Our Process

At New Town Dental, we strive to make every patient's experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect when getting a dental crown:

1. Initial examination: During your first visit, one of our dentists will examine the affected tooth to determine whether a crown is necessary or if other treatments might be more suitable.
2. Tooth preparation: If it's determined that a dental crown is required, we'll prepare the damaged tooth by removing any decay and shaping its surface. This ensures there's enough space for the new crown to fit comfortably.
3. Impression making: Next, we'll make an impression of your teeth using a soft material that hardens over time. This mold is then sent off to a dental lab where your custom-made crown will be created.
4. Temporary crown placement: While you wait for your permanent crown, we'll fit you with a temporary one to protect your prepared tooth and prevent any sensitivity.
5. Permanent crown installation: Once your new crown is ready (usually about 2-3 weeks later), we'll bring you back in for another appointment. During this visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one will be securely bonded onto your tooth.

Maintaining Your Crown's Health

Although dental crowns are designed to withstand the test of time, they do require regular maintenance and care just like your natural teeth. Here are some tips on how to take care of your new crown:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup around the base of the crown.
• Avoid hard foods: Try not to chew on hard objects such as ice or candy, which could potentially chip your crown.
• Visit us regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings at New Town Dental can help catch any potential issues with your dental crowns early on, ensuring they last as long as possible.