A dental crown is a custom restoration that caps a tooth. We can employ them to address an array of cosmetic and restorative oral health concerns. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how we place them, and the materials we use to ensure a durable and often lifelike dental restoration.
When Your Smile Needs a Restoration
A dental crown is a complete restoration that can transform a tooth, correcting issues both cosmetic and restorative in many cases. We may recommend capping a tooth that sustains serious cracks and chips, or is worn down by teeth grinding. Our team could address severe tooth decay and complete a root canal to treat an infection. They can also be used to improve bite function and balance. If you have missing teeth, our team can employ them to secure a dental bridge in place, or to restore a single tooth dental implant.
Creating Your Dental Crowns
To ensure a proper fit, lifelike appearance, and a balanced bite, each one we place has been custom-made for your smile. For example, we will begin by gently numbing your tooth and carefully removing structure from the outside of it. We then gather a series of detailed digital images of the tooth, which we use to create a 3D impression. In a dental lab setting, we use the impression to design and craft the finished restoration. Our team then checks the fit and makes any last-minute adjustments before we attach the crown with a powerful bonding agent. In just two visits, we can transform your tooth and offer better oral health and function.
The Materials We Employ
But what will your crown be made of? Well, that depends! For the more visible front teeth, we could use all-porcelain, as this is the most natural looking option available, and one we shade to match the appearance of surrounding teeth. The side and rear teeth must endure greater bite forces and pressures, so we could use all-metal for these. Since they don’t blend with the smile, we typically reserve them for the very back molars. However, we do have durable options for the side and rear teeth that can be shaded to match your smile, including porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia.
If you have any questions about how we place a crown, or about the materials that we use, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you smile with confidence, and enjoy optimal oral health once again!
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Restores Your Smile
Our team wants to help you enjoy optimal oral health with a custom and durable dental restoration. Call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 for more information on repairing and transforming smiles.
