Many times, dental crowns are used to repair weakened or damaged teeth, especially those impacted by severe decay. However, this type of treatment also has a place in cosmetic dentistry. It can often be used to improve the overall look of a patient's smile.
While at first glance they can seem like little more than a surface-level issue, cosmetic problems with the teeth can lead to a drop in confidence and affect your emotional well-being. Whether cosmetic problems are caused by genetics, injury, or aging, they can impact almost anyone at any stage of life. Cosmetic dentistry can be a necessary treatment for allowing you to smile with confidence.
In addition to making your teeth more beautiful, dental crowns can also provide years of protection for a healthier smile. They can be very versatile when it comes to cosmetic dental treatments.
Chips or cracks in a tooth must often be repaired to prevent tooth decay or infection or to relieve pain. This type of damage can also cause noticeable and unwanted changes in the tooth's appearance. A dental crown not only can repair a severely damaged tooth but can also be used to restore it for a more beautiful smile.
Some tooth stains can be removed by professional whitening treatments, especially stains caused by dietary choices or tobacco use. However, some types of tooth discoloration do not respond to enamel whitening. This may include stains that are gray in color and come from age or enamel loss. In these situations, dental crowns may be used to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Teeth that are irregular in size or shape can draw unwanted attention to a person's smile. They can also impact a patient's ability to chew or bite properly and may lead to crooked teeth or alignment issues. Dental crowns can help create a more even smile by replacing these teeth with a prosthetic option that blends and fits well with the other natural teeth.
After numbing the area, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth for a crown by grinding it down to a smaller size. This step makes the procedure irreversible but is necessary for a secure fit. Once this is complete, the dentist will take impressions or scans of the teeth so the crown can be milled to the right size and shape. Most dental crowns are made from ceramic or porcelain to create a more realistic appearance. However, some are reinforced with metal for added durability.
Some crowns can be milled the same day at the office while others are created offsite in a lab. In the meantime, a dentist may place a temporary crown. Once the final product is complete, it is permanently cemented in place.
Directly following the appointment for the dental crown procedure, you may notice the tooth is more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. Letting food warm or cool to a mild temperature will help you avoid discomfort. If you notice pain or sensitivity that is not going away after a few days, it is a good idea to check in with the dentist to make sure the tooth is okay.
With good home care and routine checkups, dental crowns usually last for 10 to 15 years before a replacement crown is needed. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as avoiding potentially damaging habits, such as chewing on ice or hard candy, are very important for anyone with a dental crown. Keep in mind that there is still a tooth beneath the crown that is susceptible to decay and disease. Proper care protects the tooth's health as well as benefits the longevity of the crown.
No matter how meticulous you are at taking care of your teeth, it is possible for cosmetic issues to arise. Whether you are dealing with serious tooth damage or purely cosmetic issues, dental crowns can restore your teeth for a whiter, healthier, and more even smile. The procedure is relatively straightforward with results that typically last for at least a decade or more.
Dental crowns are one of many different kinds of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Another common option for fixing cosmetic issues is dental veneers. Since every situation is unique, speaking to a professional will allow you to determine what will work most efficiently for your long-term health care. A dentist can help you decide if this type of treatment is right for your cosmetic goals.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Saratoga Springs, NY.
If you've suffered a broken or damaged tooth, you may want to consider a dental crown to restore your damaged smile. It's important, however, to know when your crown is getting worn and when it is time to get it replaced so that you can keep your smile looking its best. Proper maintenance and care…
A tooth with significant damage will need a dental crown or cap. This restoration can restore the form and function of your tooth. Getting a large filling or a root canal will need a cap to protect and strengthen the tooth. If you want to know how a dentist will use a dental crown to…
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth and improves its size, shape, health, and appearance. There are certain signs a dentist may look for to determine whether a dental crown is the best form of restoration for a patient or if another restoration may be more…
A dental crown can help to fix a variety of dental issues like chipped, cracked, broken, decayed, or deformed teeth. The crown covers up the visible part of the tooth and restores its function. Getting a dental crown placed on a tooth typically involves two trips to the dentist. The first is used to prepare…
Dental implants can be an effective tooth replacement option for anyone missing one or a few teeth or those needing all their teeth replaced. Many consider implants state-of-the-art tooth replacement. However, to enjoy this option's many benefits, the patient must be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Here are some key factors to take into…
Receding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, or they can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, like brushing too hard. Some people also have a genetic predisposition toward developing gum recession. Regardless of the cause, gum recession leaves teeth roots exposed to acids in the mouth. This increases their risk of decay,…