8221 Glades Road, Suite 4, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Strength and Beauty for Damaged Teeth
Severe tooth decay can sometimes destroy a tooth to the point where a filling alone cannot hold it together. Left untreated, these teeth can continue to break down, leading to pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss. In these cases, dentists rely on dental crowns to protect and preserve what remains of the tooth. At Glades Dental Group in Boca Raton, dental crowns are one of the most important restorations we offer, giving compromised teeth a new lease on life.
A crown can save a broken or decayed tooth by holding it together and shielding it from further damage. It can also serve as a beautiful replacement for an unsightly tooth, covering one that is discolored or badly shaped, or capping a dental implant. In short, a crown makes your tooth stronger while improving its appearance. Best of all, a crown functions just like a natural tooth, so once it is placed you simply continue to brush, floss, and visit us for regular checkups to keep it healthy.
Ask About Dental Crowns
What Is a Dental Crown?
In dentistry, a crown, also called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that fits over the top of a damaged tooth. Crowns are designed to match your smile and built to last. Many situations rely on crowns to save teeth, and you may even need one after certain dental treatments. For example, a root canal or a large filling can weaken a tooth and leave it vulnerable to cracking or breaking, so a crown is placed for protection. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
There are several types of crowns available, each varying in appearance and strength. During your consultation at Glades Dental Group, our dentists will help you choose the option that best fits your needs, your budget, and your smile.
Exploring Your Dental Crown Options
Not all crowns are the same, and each type offers its own balance of strength and appearance. Understanding your choices helps you feel confident in your treatment. At Glades Dental Group, we offer several types of crowns to suit different needs.
Metal Crowns :
Metal crowns are made from gold or other alloys. They are the most durable type of crown available and the least likely to wear down the opposing teeth. The main drawback is that metal crowns do not blend in with your natural smile, so many patients prefer not to use them on their most visible teeth. They are often an excellent choice for out-of-sight molars where strength matters most.
Ceramic Crowns :
Ceramic crowns are made from porcelain and are prized for their natural appearance. They can be matched to the exact color of your teeth, making them a great option for restoring your front teeth. However, they are the least durable option. Porcelain can be too fragile for teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, such as molars, and it can be somewhat rough on the opposing teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns :
Porcelain-fused-to-metal, or PFM, crowns combine the qualities of ceramic and metal alloy crowns. With a porcelain exterior and a metal interior, these crowns are built for both strength and appearance. They do have some drawbacks. The edge of the metal portion can sometimes become visible at the gum line, affecting the crown's appearance, and the outer porcelain layer can wear on the opposing teeth or chip much like an all-porcelain crown.
Zirconia Crowns :
Zirconia is a naturally tooth-colored material that has become a popular choice among dentists. Like other metal-based crowns, it is extremely durable. The tradeoff is that zirconia is not quite as natural-looking as porcelain, nor is it as gentle on the opposing teeth as gold and other metal alloys. For many patients, however, it offers an appealing balance of strength and appearance.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
Once we have determined the best type of crown for you, we will schedule two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth for your custom crown, and at the second visit the permanent crown is placed.
Treating the Tooth
Before preparing the tooth, the dentist removes any tooth decay and performs a filling or root canal if necessary.
01
Shaping the Tooth
The dentist removes enough enamel for the crown to fit over the tooth. You will receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The amount of enamel removed depends on the type of crown, with metal crowns requiring the least.
02
Taking an Impression
We take a mold of your teeth by gently pulling the gums away from the prepared tooth with a small cord and having you bite into putty-filled trays for a few minutes. This mold is sent to a lab, which crafts a crown that matches your natural teeth. For ceramic, PFM, or zirconia crowns, the lab matches the color to your surrounding teeth.
03
Placing a temporary crown
To protect the prepared tooth while you wait, the dentist places a temporary crown at the end of your first appointment.
04
Placing the permanent crown
After a couple of weeks, your custom crown is ready. At your second appointment, the dentist checks that it fits comfortably and securely, then permanently attaches it with a bonding resin.
05
Why Choose a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a versatile restoration that protects your tooth while restoring its natural look and function. Here is why so many patients at our Boca Raton practice choose crowns:
- Saves damaged teeth: A crown holds a cracked or decayed tooth together, often preventing the need for extraction.
- Restores strength: Crowns reinforce weakened teeth so you can bite and chew with confidence.
- Improves appearance: Custom crowns cover discolored or misshapen teeth for a more attractive smile.
- Protects after treatment: A crown safeguards a tooth that has been weakened by a root canal or large filling.
- Custom-made fit: Every crown is crafted to fit your smile comfortably and blend with your natural teeth.
- Long-lasting results: With proper care, a crown can last for decades.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns should be treated with the same care as your natural teeth. While the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth underneath it still can, which makes good oral hygiene essential. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings and checkups at Glades Dental Group to protect the tooth beneath your crown. With proper care, a typical crown can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years, making it a truly worthwhile investment in your smile.
Restore Your Smile With a Dental Crown
If you have a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, a custom dental crown from Glades Dental Group can restore its strength, function, and appearance. Do not wait for a small problem to become a bigger one. Call us today at 561-883-2786 or request an appointment online to find out whether a dental crown is right for you.
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