Dental crowns are a common dental procedure that restores teeth to their original state. It can correct a misshapen tooth, repair damage, protect against tooth decay, and more. Your dentist prepares your tooth and places a dental crown to help support the look and function of your mouth.
A fixed prosthetic restoration is most popular for protecting a tooth after a root canal treatment. Dr. David Rever is a cosmetic dentist with the training and experience you need to restore your smile with a dental crown. Our dental office also provides additional restorative dentistry services to new and existing patients in Silver Spring, Maryland.
What is a crown on your tooth best for? Dental crowns are a valuable option to:
- Improve the look of yellow and discolored teeth
- Restore damaged teeth to their original size
- Repair misshapen teeth
- Restore tooth structure after an accident
- Restore natural teeth after gum disease treatments
- Strengthen a natural tooth after a root canal
- Replace old large fillings that are causing pain
- Support a dental bridge
These problems can form for many reasons, and often leave patients feeling less confident about their smiles. Dental crowns are a permanent and durable dental restoration. They provide comfortable and natural-looking results while restoring health and function to your smile.
The Dental Crown Process
Receiving a dental crown is a multi-step process. During the first visit, Dr. Rever will consult with you to find the best plan. Our team will need to properly prepare your teeth before we can place your new dental crown. You may receive a thorough teeth cleaning before and after the procedure.
On the first or second visit with Dr. Rever, we will take a dental impression using the latest digital technology. This will ensure a natural and custom fit to the dental crown without hurting your gum line. We will then color-match the restoration to make sure your new crown matches your existing teeth.
Many patients may benefit from the use of porcelain crowns because of their strength and natural aesthetic. The patient will receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth from any further damage while we wait for the final product from the dental lab.
During the second visit, your dentist will attach your new crown to your real tooth. He may also polish it, giving it a beautiful new finish. Dr. Rever will supply patients with the information to properly maintain their new crown. That’s it! Yes, we can place a dental crown in as little as two visits to the dentist.
Same-Day Crowns in Silver Spring, MD
Receiving a crown usually takes a few visits, but due to advancements in dental technology, it is possible to receive same-day crowns. Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing or CAD/CAM creates high-quality crowns in a few minutes.
CAD/CAM creates natural-looking crowns, leaving patients with great results in a short amount of time. If you are a good candidate from same-day crowns, Dr. Rever will work with you to develop your perfect smile. With the help of the CAD/CAM software, we can design and fabricate your crown while you wait.
We can also use the software to create a mirror-image of the same tooth on the other side of your mouth for the most natural-looking result possible. Then, we use a block of dental ceramic in the shade that closely matches your own teeth. We will send the computer’s digital design to a milling machine that will carve a crown from ceramic block. The result will be new modern restoration in about five minutes.
Types of Tooth Crowns
Many people are not aware of the different types of tooth crowns. Dentists can make a dental crown from different types of materials. For example, porcelain, gold, porcelain fused to metal (not metal crowns), or a composite resin material. We use them to protect a tooth from further damage, or as a cosmetic choice. There are several different types that range from the basic to the more complex.
Dental crowns generally fall into one of two categories: traditional and hybrid or implant-supported. The former is simply a cap that a dentist secures over an existing tooth, while the latter is a crown that dental implants permanently support. The most popular type is the all-porcelain crown. This one is custom-made for each patient.
A porcelain crown is the most common type of metal-free crown. Porcelain crowns act like real teeth by having the same appearance and feel as them. They are also very strong and durable, and don’t require any special care. Advances in modern dentistry removes the need for the use of metal which can discolor the teeth.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are dental crowns permanent?
We consider crowns a permanent dental treatment. With proper oral hygiene and biannual dental checkups, your permanent crown should last for many years. They can help repair small teeth, misshapen teeth, and cracked or broken teeth. Dental crowns can also help to strengthen a tooth after a root canal or to cover a dental implant.
Are same-day dental crowns better than traditional crowns?
Dental crowns fabricated with CEREC software and tools are natural-looking, comfortable, and long-lasting. The material we use to make the crown is a strong, translucent ceramic that mimics the look and feel of real teeth. They can last longer than traditional crowns.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of tooth crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of a dental crown. The procedure is necessary to maintain good oral health. Ask us about your financing options if you are using crowns as part of your cosmetic dental plan.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 5-15 years. Their life is dependent on many factors. The most important aspect is the patient’s oral care routine. If you practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, it will be much more likely to last closer to 15 years or more.
Can a dentist whiten porcelain crowns?
No. Dentists can not whiten porcelain crowns. The porcelain material does not stain easily or respond to whitening treatments the way tooth enamel does. Fortunately if you have an old stained crown, we can replace it with a high-quality modern crown. You might find that you need to whiten your teeth down the road to match your crown.
Can a dentist place dental crowns on front teeth?
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a dentist can place dental crowns on front teeth. The first is that not all dentists are qualified to do this type of work. In order to place a dental crown on a front tooth, a dentist must have special training and experience in cosmetic dentistry.
Another thing to consider is the cost. Dental crowns for front teeth are often more expensive than those for back teeth because they require more time and effort to place. If you need a dental crown for your front tooth, give us a call for more information. We can provide options to repair your front teeth.