Dental crowns are a great way to protect damaged teeth and make your smile look better. At East Quarter Dental, our team uses crowns to restore teeth and boost the look of your smile. Our goal is to create crowns that look and feel like real teeth so you can smile with comfort and confidence.
A dental crown covers the visible part of a tooth, which strengthens weak teeth and shields them from more harm. If you need a dental crown in Dallas, TX, our team can customize it to match your needs and style. Our crowns are also very strong and can last a lifetime with proper care.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown works like a cap that fits over a damaged or weak tooth. Each crown is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, so it blends in with your smile. Modern crowns are strong and long-lasting, helping you chew and speak with ease. They keep the tooth safe from further damage, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities without worry.
Dental crowns have many uses. They protect weak teeth from breaking, restore cracked teeth, cover dental implants, and hold dental bridges in place. After a root canal, a crown also keeps the treated tooth safe from more harm. Crowns can be helpful for both cosmetic and functional reasons, making them a versatile choice.
For those with discolored or oddly shaped teeth, crowns provide a quick way to improve your smile. Crowns can also cover large fillings when there’s not enough natural tooth left. In some cases, they help align your bite by adjusting the shape of your teeth, which can make chewing more comfortable.
Choosing a crown can improve your daily life. With a restored tooth, you’ll be able to enjoy meals without discomfort and smile freely. Protecting a weak tooth now may also save you from pain or costly treatments down the road.
Reasons to get a dental crown include:
- Protect weak or broken teeth
- Restore cracked or chipped teeth
- Cover dental implants
- Anchor dental bridges
- Improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth
- Shield teeth after a root canal
- Help align your bite for better comfort
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns bring many benefits for your smile and oral health. Made to look natural, they are often crafted from porcelain to blend seamlessly with your other teeth. They strengthen weak teeth, making them less prone to future damage.
With regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, crowns can last for many years. Crowns are also a way to replace missing teeth when paired with implants.
- Natural Appearance: Porcelain crowns look like natural teeth, blending beautifully with your smile.
- Strength: Crowns can withstand daily wear, providing lasting support for your teeth.
- Improved Comfort: They make it easier to eat and talk, which can greatly enhance your quality of life.
- Prevents Further Issues: Crowns protect vulnerable teeth, which can help avoid pain and future dental costs.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in various materials, each with its own strengths. At East Quarter Dental, we primarily offer two types: high-quality porcelain and porcelain bonded to gold:
- Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer a natural look, blending well with other teeth. They are ideal for patients who want their crowns to match their smile seamlessly. While porcelain crowns look great, they may not be as strong as porcelain-gold crowns.
- Porcelain Bonded to Gold Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of a gold base with the natural look of a porcelain outer layer. This type is durable and works well for both front and back teeth, providing a strong yet attractive option.
When choosing a crown, our Dallas team will help you decide on the best material. Factors like tooth location, function, and your personal style will all play a role in finding the right crown for you.
Getting a Dental Crown in Dallas, TX
The process of getting a dental crown includes a few key steps. If you need more than one crown, the process may require at least two visits to our Dallas office.
- Dental Exam: First, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check if a crown is the best choice for you. If there is severe damage, you may need an extraction instead. You might also need extra dental care if there are signs of poor oral health.
- Tooth Preparation: If a crown is the right option, your dentist will prepare the tooth. This step includes cleaning out any decay or infection and reshaping the tooth. Proper shaping is essential for the crown to fit well.
- Taking Impressions: After preparing the tooth, your dentist will take an impression. This impression captures the unique shape of your tooth, helping us create a custom crown that fits snugly.
- Placing a Temporary Crown: While you wait for the permanent crown, we will place a temporary one on your tooth. This temporary crown allows you to chew and speak normally, though it isn’t as strong as the permanent one. It’s best to avoid sticky or hard foods while wearing it. Temporaries usually consist of plastic or metal.
- Fitting the Permanent Crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary one. They will then check the new crown for comfort and fit, making small adjustments to ensure it aligns with your bite.
- Cementing the Crown: When everything looks and feels right, the dentist will secure the crown in place with a strong adhesive. This bonding keeps your crown in place for years to come.
How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors, such as the type of material, your oral habits, and how well you care for it. On average, crowns last between five to fifteen years, and with good care, they can last even longer.
- Crown Material: Crowns made from high-quality materials, like porcelain or gold, tend to last longer than those made from less durable materials.
- Oral Habits: Habits like grinding, clenching, or using your teeth as tools can stress your crown, leading to chips or cracks. We may suggest wearing a night guard to protect your crown if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Bite Alignment: If your bite is not aligned properly, it can cause uneven wear on the crown, which may lead to early damage.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are crucial. If you allow plaque to build up, it can increase your risk of decay or gum issues around the crown.
- Tooth Health Under the Crown: The condition of the tooth beneath the crown matters too. If that tooth becomes decayed or weak, it may not support the crown properly.
Crowns made from high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold tend to last the longest. By following a good oral care routine, you can help your crown stay strong and secure for many years. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are essential for keeping your crown in top shape.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you think a dental crown may help improve your smile or protect your teeth, feel free to call us at 469-529-5401. East Quarter Dental proudly serves Dallas and nearby areas, including Lake Highlands, Highland Park, University Park, and Lakewood. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy and bright!