Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
At our Hewitt dental office, we offer dental crowns to restore your smile and improve your oral health. These natural-looking, removable replacements are designed to help you eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Whether you’ve lost several teeth or all of them, dental crowns provide an effective and comfortable restorative treatment tailored to meet your needs.
Types of Dental Crowns
We provide three main types of dental crowns, based on your unique dental needs:
- Full Dentures
Full dentures are recommended for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth. These dentures consist of a complete set of artificial teeth supported by a gum-colored base that rests directly on your gums. Full dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely, providing you with a functional, natural-looking smile. - Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are ideal for individuals who still have some natural teeth remaining. These dentures are supported by a metal framework that clasps onto your existing teeth to provide stability. Partial dentures help fill the gaps left by missing teeth and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, thus restoring balance to your bite. - Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, offering a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures. This option is often recommended for patients who prefer a long-lasting, secure solution that avoids the shifting or discomfort that can come with conventional dentures.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cover that goes over a tooth to improve its appearance and strength. Your dentist uses a crown to protect the entire visible part of the tooth, helping to prevent further damage.
Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia, depending on your needs and the location of the tooth.
Dental crowns are an excellent choice for protecting weak or cracked teeth, restoring worn-down teeth, or improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several benefits for both your oral health and overall quality of life:
- Restores Functionality: Crowns help restore your ability to chew and bite effectively by covering a damaged tooth, preventing further harm.
- Reduces Sensitivity: Crowns can reduce tooth sensitivity caused by cracks or worn-down enamel, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
- Improves Appearance: Custom crowns can enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, providing you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, offering a durable and reliable solution for improving both function and appearance.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to your dentist. If a crown is recommended, the process will go as follows:
- Consultation & Preparation:
The first step involves numbing the area around the tooth to keep you comfortable. The dentist will then remove any decay or damaged parts of the tooth. Sometimes, this may involve removing an old filling or crown. The tooth will be reshaped to make room for the new crown. - Impressions:
After preparing the tooth, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a model for the dental lab, where your permanent crown will be made. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent one is ready. - Placement of the Permanent Crown:
During your next visit, the temporary crown will be removed and replaced with the custom-made permanent crown. The dentist will ensure the crown fits properly and securely, making any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort.
Why Do You Need a Temporary Dental Crown?
A temporary crown is placed while waiting for your permanent crown to be made. Though it doesn’t fit as perfectly as the final crown, the temporary crown serves to protect your tooth from further damage and sensitivity.
It also helps with chewing and maintains a natural appearance until the permanent crown is ready for placement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I expect my dental crown to last?
Dental crowns typically last 5 to 8 years with proper care. However, regular checkups at our office ensure that your crown maintains a proper fit and function. Over time, as your gums and bone structure change, your crown may need adjustments.
How do I clean my dental crown?
You should clean your dental crown just like your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristle brush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Be sure to floss around the crown to prevent plaque buildup. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth.
Can I sleep with my dental crown in?
Yes, you can sleep with your dental crown in place. However, it is generally advisable to remove any temporary crowns at night to allow your gums to rest and reduce irritation. This also helps to avoid the risk of the temporary crown loosening during sleep.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns are made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia. Each material has its own advantages, with porcelain being a popular choice for its natural appearance, while metal crowns provide durability.
How do dental crowns stay in place?
Dental crowns are securely placed on the tooth with a strong adhesive. The crown fits snugly around the entire visible part of the tooth, and if necessary, adhesive can be used to provide extra stability.
Will dental crowns affect my speech?
Initially, you might notice some changes in your speech as you adjust to your new crown. However, most patients adapt quickly, and speech typically returns to normal within a few days.
Can I eat normally with dental crowns?
After the crown is placed, you can eat most foods. Initially, stick to softer foods until you’re comfortable with your crown. Gradually reintroduce harder foods. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or sticky candies, as they can damage the crown.
What should I do if my dental crown breaks?
If your crown breaks, it’s important to contact us immediately. Do not attempt to repair it yourself, as this can cause further damage. We will ensure that your crown is properly repaired or replaced.
How much does a dental crown cost in Texas?
The cost of a dental crown in Texas varies depending on the type of material used, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors like location. On average, crowns can range from $800 to $2,500. Insurance may help cover some of the cost, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider.
Why are crowns so expensive?
Dental crowns can be expensive because they require custom fabrication and skilled labor, especially when using high-quality materials such as porcelain or zirconia. Additionally, the procedure involves multiple visits, including preparation, impressions, and final placement.
Is there anything cheaper than a crown?
For some dental issues, less expensive options such as dental bonding or fillings may be appropriate. However, these treatments may not be as durable or long-lasting as crowns. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, dental implants could be a good alternative, though they also tend to be more expensive.
What is the difference between dental implants and crowns?
Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to act as a replacement root for a missing tooth, while crowns are placed over an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, and functionality.
Implants are a more permanent solution and help maintain bone structure, while crowns are a more straightforward, less invasive option.
Why Choose Fusion Dental & Braces?
At Fusion Dental & Braces, we specialize in providing high-quality dental crowns to restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
Our skilled team works closely with you to create crowns that perfectly match your individual needs, ensuring a natural-looking and long-lasting result.
If you’re considering dental crowns or need more information, schedule a consultation with us today. We’re here to help you restore your smile and your confidence!
Contact Us for a Consultation
Ready to restore your smile with dental crowns? Contact Fusion Dental & Braces Waco office today to schedule your consultation. Call us at (254) 324-7876 or use our online appointment scheduler for convenience.