Considering a Dental Crown? Here’s What to Expect

Helping Save Smiles, A Tooth At A Time

What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

Essentially, a dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or misaligned tooth to offer a smoother, more polished appearance, as well as strengthen the tooth. A crown can also be placed on an implant to offer a more natural look and improve functionality. There are a number of materials available that crowns can be made out of and some are better suited for different parts of the mouth than others.

• Metal alloy crowns are made from any combination of gold or metal alloys, like nickel or chromium. These typically last the longest and require less tooth structure to be removed. Most patients prefer them in less noticeable places such as the back molars because of their metallic color.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a combination of the sturdiness of metal with the natural color of porcelain.
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are ideal for patients who have metal allergies or prefer to avoid metal in their mouths. Additionally, they can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth to give a natural-looking finish.
• All-resin crowns are often a more affordable option but are prone to wearing down faster than the other options.

The process for dental crowns typically requires two visits after the initial consultation. During the first visit, Dr. Beaufils can explain to you the options and talk to you about which option best fits your needs, budget, and ideal look. Once the material is chosen, an impression will be made of the tooth that needs the crown. The dentist will fit you with a temporary setting and the impressions will be sent to a state-of-the-art facility where the crown will be made. During the second visit, the crown will be affixed to the tooth.

Who Can Get A Crown?

Dental crowns can be used as either a restorative dental service or a cosmetic dentistry procedure. The tooth-shaped cap can be used to:

• Strengthen weak teeth
• Restore the shape or size of a tooth
• Restore a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• Hold a dental bridge in place, to cover discolored teeth
• Straighten a misshaped tooth
• Cover a dental implant
• Enhance the aesthetic of the smile
• Seal a tooth following a root canal treatment

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Crowns can even be used on patients of all ages, including children with primary teeth. In cases involving children, the dental crown is often placed to help save a tooth that has experienced severe decay and cannot support a filling, or to protect the teeth of a child who is at a high risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.

Sport a Healthy, Happy Smile

Feeling confident in your smile is important to Dr. Lloyd Beaufils and the team at Beaufils Dental. We recommend that all patients invest in the necessary steps to maintain the overall appearance and health of their smile, including bi-annual teeth cleanings, regular brushing and flossing, and maintaining clean eating choices. Other preventative measures like dental sealants or cosmetic improvements like teeth whitening are also recommended by Dr. Beaufils. To schedule your appointment with our Cooper City office, please call 954-252-1390 today!