What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a cap-like restoration that fits over a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its size, shape, or appearance. Crowns also protect a worn tooth against further damage and prevent decay from spreading to your surrounding teeth. Dr. Cummings may recommend a dental crown if you have:
- A cracked tooth
- A broken tooth
- Tooth discoloration
- A tooth with a large filling
- Misshapen teeth
- A dental implant or bridge that needs support
When Dr. Cummings fits you for a dental crown, it is molded to your existing tooth up to the gum line, completely restoring the look and function of your natural teeth.
Do I have options?
There are several types of dental crown materials to choose from, including:
Ceramic or porcelain
Ceramic or porcelain crowns are ideal for your front teeth, as they are perfectly color matched to the exact shade of your natural teeth. Not only do they look exactly like your existing teeth, but they are also suitable for patients with metal allergies.
Metal
Metal crowns, made with a combination of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys, are extremely durable. They rarely chip or break, even after years of wear-and-tear. However, metal crowns cannot be color matched to your teeth, so they are typically recommended for back molars.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
The best of both worlds, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are color matched to your existing teeth, while the base metal underneath provides the strength needed to withstand everyday wear-and-tear.
How long does the dental crown process take?
Traditional dental crowns take at least two appointments. During the first, Dr. Cummings files down your damaged tooth to make room for the crown and takes X-rays and impressions. These impressions are then sent off to the lab to fabricate your new dental crown.
During this waiting period, Dr. Cummings fits you for a temporary crown. In about two weeks, you will return to the office to have the temporary crown removed. After the temporary crown is taken out, Dr. Cummings fits you for your customized permanent crown, which is cemented into place once the size, shape, and shade look perfect.
What are one-visit CEREC® crowns?
Unlike traditional dental crowns, CEREC restorations do not require Dr. Cummings to take physical impressions of your teeth. Instead, the impressions are taken digitally and fed directly into Dr. Cummings’ in-office CEREC software, which generates a precise model of your tooth that she uses to fabricate your crown.
Because the entire CEREC crown process is done in-office, you do not have to wait two weeks for your new crown or deal with a temporary crown. CEREC dental crowns are created in just one day, completely eliminating your second appointment.
When it comes to your smile, you have options thanks to Dr. Cummings extensive experience in fitting patients for both traditional dental crowns and CEREC one-visit crowns. To learn more your dental crown choices, call Sterling Ridge Cosmetic & Family Dentistry or book an appointment online today.
