Dental Crowns Can Repair and Strengthen Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are one of the most common treatments our Woodinville practice offers. Crowns, tooth-shaped caps or prosthetic teeth, are incredibly versatile, and your dentist can use them to correct a range of functional and cosmetic problems. We offer a variety of materials for your crowns, and we will work with you to find the right type to meet your aesthetic goals, health needs, and budget. If you suffer from a damaged tooth, you are most likely a good candidate for a dental crown. Contact our office today to learn more about your candidacy for dental crowns.
An Introduction to Dental Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that fit over a compromised tooth. To place a crown, your dentist will first reshape the tooth to make room for the restoration. By reshaping the damaged tooth, it creates a more secure base for the crown.
Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Dowd or Dr. Wu will take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental lab. There, technicians will create a crown that is customized to fit your tooth and match the surrounding teeth in shape and color. We work with several labs and will choose the facility that is best suited to meet your needs. While you are waiting for your restoration, the dentist will give you a temporary crown to protect your tooth. When the crown is finished, the dentist will attach the permanent restoration using dental cement.
The Benefits of Crowns
Dental crowns have a wide range of applications. A crown can be used to support a weakened tooth (after root canal therapy, for example), hold together a broken tooth, or cover a large filling. They can also be used to top dental implants. Though they are most often used for restorative treatments, your dentist may recommend a crown to make a cosmetic enhancement. If your tooth is misshapen or has severe stains that do not respond to whitening treatment, a crown might be the best way to enhance your smile.
In addition to their many uses, dental crowns are also very strong and durable. With proper care, crowns can last for decades. They also function and can be cared for just like natural teeth. Finally, dental implants are custom-made for you, and depending on the material you choose, they are virtually identical to natural teeth.
Available Materials
At Signature Smiles, we are dedicated to personalized care and provide our patients with a wide range of treatment options. We offer several materials for your dental crowns, including:
- Gold – Gold is the strongest and most durable crown material. Typically, we do not recommend gold crowns to restore front teeth or teeth that are visible when you smile, but they are great for molars which withstand a large amount of chewing pressure.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal – Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are durable, and your dentist can choose porcelain that will match the color of your natural teeth. However, over time the metal may begin to show through. Nevertheless, in some cases, this material can still be an excellent choice for your crown.
- All-Ceramic – If you need to crown a front tooth or if you simply want the most lifelike restoration possible, you may want to choose an all-ceramic crown. Though not as durable as other materials, ceramic crowns are virtually identical to natural teeth.
During your appointment, Dr. Dowd or Dr. Wu can explain these materials in depth and help you choose the right one to meet your needs.
Learn More About Crowns
If you are suffering from dental damage or are interested in enhancing the appearance of your smile, contact us today and schedule your appointment to learn more about crowns.
