Dental Crowns

When a tooth has been significantly damaged by decay, injury, or wear, a dental crown may provide the ideal solution to restore both function and appearance. At SmilePro Dental, we offer high-quality dental crowns crafted from premium materials to help strengthen weakened teeth, enhance your smile's aesthetics, and provide long-lasting protection. Our experienced team combines technical expertise with an artistic eye to create crowns that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. We understand that dental issues requiring crowns can sometimes be stressful or uncomfortable. That's why we're committed to providing gentle, efficient care in a relaxing environment. Our goal is not only to restore your oral health but to ensure your complete comfort throughout the treatment process.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. The crown completely encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing protection while improving function and aesthetics.

Modern dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, with materials and craftsmanship that make them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. At SmilePro Dental, we take care to match the color, contour, and alignment of your crown to your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural-looking result.

When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?

Dental crowns serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes. Our dentists may recommend a crown in several situations:

Protecting Weakened Teeth

Teeth that have been significantly compromised by decay, large fillings, or fractures may not have enough remaining structure to function properly. A crown provides a protective covering that holds the tooth together and prevents further damage.

Restoring Broken Teeth

Severely chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be restored to their original shape and function with a crown, preventing further deterioration and potential tooth loss.

Covering Misshapen or Severely Discolored Teeth

When a tooth is severely discolored or irregularly shaped, a crown can provide a consistent, attractive appearance that matches your surrounding teeth.

Supporting Dental Bridges

Crowns are often used to anchor dental bridges, providing stable support for this tooth replacement option.

Completing Root Canal Therapy

After root canal treatment, a crown is typically placed to protect the treated tooth and restore its functionality, as teeth become more brittle after this procedure.

Covering Dental Implants

For dental implant restorations, a crown serves as the visible portion of the replacement tooth, attached to the implant post that acts as an artificial root.

Cosmetic Enhancement

In some cases, crowns may be recommended for purely cosmetic reasons, such as improving the appearance of severely misshapen or discolored teeth that cannot be effectively treated with more conservative methods.

Types of Dental Crowns

At SmilePro Dental, we offer several types of crowns to meet different clinical needs and patient preferences:

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

These metal-free crowns provide the most natural-looking results and are an excellent choice for front teeth. Made from advanced ceramic materials, they:

  • Closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth
  • Are ideal for patients with metal allergies
  • Provide outstanding aesthetic results
  • Work well for visible teeth

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with the aesthetics of porcelain. They offer:

  • Greater durability than all-ceramic options
  • Natural appearance with porcelain exterior
  • Good longevity and reliability
  • Versatility for both front and back teeth

Gold Alloy Crowns

Though less common today, gold crowns offer exceptional durability and wear resistance. Benefits include:

  • Minimal removal of tooth structure required
  • Excellent durability and resistance to wear
  • Less likely to cause wear to opposing teeth
  • Ideal for back teeth where aesthetics are less critical

Zirconia Crowns

Made from advanced zirconium dioxide, these crowns combine incredible strength with excellent aesthetics:

  • Extremely durable and resistant to fracture
  • Natural-looking appearance
  • Suitable for patients who grind their teeth
  • Appropriate for both front and back teeth

During your consultation, we’ll discuss the advantages of each material for your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about which type of crown best meets your needs.

The Dental Crown Process

Initial Consultation

Your crown journey begins with a thorough examination and consultation. During this appointment, we:

  • Evaluate the damaged tooth and surrounding structures
  • Take digital X-rays to assess the tooth’s root and adjacent bone
  • Discuss treatment options and recommend the most appropriate type of crown
  • Address any questions or concerns you may have
  • Create a personalized treatment plan

This comprehensive approach ensures we address your specific needs and develop the most effective solution.

Tooth Preparation

To accommodate your new crown, the affected tooth must be carefully prepared:

  1. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia for your comfort
  2. The tooth is reshaped by removing a precise amount of the outer surface
  3. If significant portion of the tooth is missing due to damage or decay, we may build up the core of the tooth to provide adequate support for the crown
  4. Detailed impressions are taken to create an exact model of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth

Throughout this process, our gentle approach and attention to detail ensure your comfort and the precision of your restoration.

Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being crafted in a dental laboratory (typically 1-2 weeks), we place a temporary crown to:

  • Protect your prepared tooth
  • Maintain your appearance
  • Prevent sensitivity
  • Keep adjacent teeth from shifting

We provide specific care instructions for your temporary crown to ensure it remains in place until your permanent restoration is ready.

Custom Crown Creation

Your impressions are sent to a skilled dental laboratory where expert technicians craft your custom crown:

  • The color is precisely matched to your surrounding teeth
  • The shape and contour are designed to complement your smile
  • High-quality materials are used for durability and aesthetics
  • Meticulous attention to detail ensures a perfect fit

Our partnership with premier dental laboratories ensures the highest quality restorations that meet our exacting standards.

Permanent Crown Placement

When your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for a second appointment:

  1. The temporary crown is removed
  2. Your new crown is checked for proper fit, appearance, and bite alignment
  3. Adjustments are made as needed to ensure comfort and function
  4. The crown is permanently cemented in place
  5. Excess cement is removed and final adjustments are made

Before you leave, we provide detailed instructions for caring for your new crown to ensure its longevity and your continued comfort.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Protection and Preservation

Crowns provide exceptional protection for damaged teeth, preventing further deterioration and potentially saving teeth that might otherwise require extraction. By preserving your natural tooth root, a crown helps maintain jawbone health and facial structure.

Restored Functionality

Crowns restore your ability to chew properly and speak clearly—functions that may be compromised by damaged teeth. The crown’s durable surface withstands the forces of biting and chewing, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods comfortably.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Modern dental crowns are crafted to look completely natural, matching the color, translucency, and contour of your surrounding teeth. This seamless integration enhances your smile and can boost your confidence in social and professional settings.

Comfort and Convenience

Unlike removable appliances, crowns are permanently cemented in place, allowing you to care for them just as you would your natural teeth. There’s no need for removal for cleaning or special adhesives—simply brush, floss, and maintain regular dental check-ups.

Longevity

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. This makes them a durable, long-term solution that provides excellent value and peace of mind.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

To maximize the lifespan of your dental crown and maintain your oral health, we recommend:

Daily Maintenance

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss daily, paying special attention to the crown’s edges where the gumline meets the restoration
  • Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse for additional protection

Protecting Your Investment

  • Avoid chewing extremely hard foods or objects (ice, hard candy, etc.) that could damage your crown
  • If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a custom nightguard to protect both your crown and natural teeth
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite fingernails

Regular Dental Visits

  • Maintain your regular schedule of dental examinations and professional cleanings
  • Report any issues with your crown promptly, such as pain, sensitivity, or looseness

During your routine visits, we’ll examine your crown to ensure it remains in good condition and continues to protect your tooth effectively.

Comprehensive Care

Beyond the technical aspects of crown placement, we focus on your overall experience—from thorough pain management during procedures to clear communication throughout the process.

Long-Term Support

Our relationship doesn’t end when your crown is placed. We provide ongoing support and care to help maintain your restoration and overall oral health for years to come.

Investment in Your Oral Health

A dental crown represents an investment in both your oral health and quality of life. The cost varies depending on several factors:

  • Type of material selected
  • Complexity of the case
  • Any additional procedures needed (such as build-ups or root canal therapy)

At SmilePro Dental, we believe quality dental care should be accessible. We take all insurance plans and offer flexible financing options through providers like CareCredit and Cherry. Our team works with you to maximize any applicable insurance benefits and find payment solutions that fit your budget.

Ready for a Healthier Smile?

We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.

Restore Your Smile Today

Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth, completing root canal therapy, or seeking to improve the appearance of your smile, a dental crown may provide the ideal solution. Our experienced team at SmilePro Dental is ready to help you restore both function and beauty to your smile with a custom-crafted dental crown.

Contact us today through our contact form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile.