20
Sep
From Decay to Delight: How Dental Crowns Can Save Your Smile
When you meet new people, one of the first things they notice about you is your smile. However, spending time with old friends and family members can also be affected if you’re missing a tooth or have noticeable cracks, chips, discoloration, or decay. Fortunately, porcelain crowns offer an excellent solution for restoring your beautiful natural smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are designed to cover weakened or damaged teeth. While they improve the aesthetics of your smile, crowns also serve a functional purpose. Dental crowns can improve your ability to chew food effectively and protect your teeth. Porcelain crowns are translucent in appearance, and they’re made custom for you, so they will match your natural teeth in shape and color.
When Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Porcelain crowns are used to protect a weak tooth that has had a root canal. However, they are also useful for camouflaging or fixing some other dental issues.
- Discolored or stained teeth.
- Chipped teeth.
- Crooked or misshapen teeth.
- Dental bridge stabilization.
- Cover teeth with large fillings.
Can Dental Crowns Work for Front Teeth?
Most commonly, people think of dental crowns as a solution for covering and protecting back teeth after a root canal. However, porcelain crowns can also address the above-mentioned issues on front teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Crowns?
Porcelain crowns serve two primary purposes: They restore your tooth’s functionality and improve the appearance of your smile. Equally important, porcelain crowns look like natural teeth and are strong and durable. Porcelain crowns are affordable, and many dental insurance plans cover them.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Porcelain crowns are similar to your natural tooth enamel in terms of hardness and strength. This means you can rest easy knowing they’ll last for many years. In fact, porcelain crowns can last as long as 15 years, but with good oral care, some crowns last as long as 20 years.
What Is the Aftercare for Dental Crowns?
For about 24 hours after a dental crown is placed, dentists recommend that patients avoid hot beverages. Using a straw when drinking can reduce any sensitivity. Also, eating soft foods will help with tenderness in the treated area.
How Do I Care for Dental Crowns Long-Term?
While porcelain crowns are nearly as strong as your dental enamel, they can chip or crack if you eat very hard foods or sticky foods. This can include nuts, popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum, for example. Avoiding very acidic foods can also help your crowns stay in top-notch shape for longer.
What Is the Dental Crown Process?
Most dental crown work will take place during your first dental visit. At this time, your tooth will be trimmed and shaped to prepare for crown placement. Then, a temporary crown will be placed. Your dentist will place the permanent crown at a second visit.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (708) 797-9377 | Existing Patients: (708) 795-1255
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The Best Dental Crowns for Teeth in Berwyn, IL
Drs. Schroyer and Duarte and the team at Westwyn Dental LLC in Berwyn, Illinois, can answer questions about the process of getting a crown on your tooth. Call us today at (708) 797-9377 or use our online form to request an appointment.