Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration and others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.
Typically, the process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. You have to make a mold which will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made. This process is a hassle, and requires multiple visits to the dentist office. At West Bluff, we have our own in-house crown mill that provides a laser sharp fit and only a few hours turn-around! See our Same Day Crowns page for more info.
Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile!