Dental Crowns Create Better-Looking Smiles
DentAlign NYC provides high-quality dental crowns to New York City residents. Dental crowns are caps placed over a tooth to hide defects and restore strength, size, and shape. Once cemented in place, they cover the entirety of the targeted area. We use them in a variety of circumstances. Patients with decayed and broken teeth benefit from crowns. They are effective at covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth left. They hold bridges and cover misshaped or discolored teeth. They can even cover dental implants. Because they are so versatile, crowns can provide invaluable cosmetic benefits to individuals of all age groups.
WHAT DENTAL CROWN MATERIALS EXIST?
We install crowns made from a variety of materials. Not only are they versatile in their use, but they offer several different looks. Each one has its advantages. Our dental staff will run through your options and explain your best option based on your dental situation and budget. We offer these kinds of dental crowns.
- Metal: Gold, chromium, nickel, and other alloys create useful crowns. One of the benefits of metal crowns is they require less tooth structure removal (see below). They also withstand biting and chewing force and provide the most durability. We usually suggest them when patients need a crown on an out-of-sight molar. The downside is they stand out, one reason why they’re best for molars.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: We can match dental crowns to the actual color of the adjacent teeth. Porcelain is how we accomplish this goal. However, porcelain can wear over time, which is where the metal comes in. When we fuse a porcelain crown to metal, we combine the best attributes of porcelain and metal crowns.
- All-Resin: Resin crowns are less expensive than other options but wear down faster. They are more prone to fractures than some of the other options we provide. However, if you are limited by a budget, all-resin will perform the central tasks a crown should. Be sure to ask us about the costs and how our financing plans can help.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: Ceramic and porcelain crowns offer the most natural look possible. Not only can we color-match them to the surrounding teeth, but the material itself has a tooth-like texture and appearance. All-ceramic and -porcelain crowns will wear down quickly when they aren’t reinforced and fused to metal.
- Temporary vs. Permanent: We can make temporary crowns in-office for use while waiting for your permanent crowns, which are made in a laboratory. Temporary crowns are made from acrylic and stainless steel.
BEFORE AND AFTER: HOW ARE DENTAL CROWNS INSTALLED?
Before we can install a dental crown, we must perform an exhaustive investigation – including x-rays. We prepare for the procedure by checking the tooth’s roots receiving the crown, and the surrounding bone for damage. We want to make sure there is no extensive decay, risk of infection, or tooth pulp injury. Sometimes we perform a root canal first. The steps of the crown procedure itself are as follows.
- We numb your tooth and the gum tissue around your teeth. Then we file down the surface of the tooth we are addressing. We have to do this to allow the adhesive material to stick firmly to the tooth.
- Next, we use an impression paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth. This impression forms the basis of the crown. We also take impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to make sure the crown doesn’t impact your bite.
- At this point, we can fabricate a temporary crown if you wish.
- We send the impressions to the lab, where professional fabricators will manufacture the crown. This process usually takes two to three weeks.
- On your second visit, we remove the temporary crown and adjust the color of the permanent one. Then we numb the tooth and permanently adhere to the crown to your tooth.
HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS LAST?
Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting. However, they are not indestructible. Sometimes, they can grow uncomfortable or chip or break. Some patients had crowns loosen or fall off. Others develop allergic reactions to their crown. If you are currently experiencing conditions like these, contact us immediately.
Temporary and Permanent Dental Crowns for Better Smiles
Dental crowns are an excellent way to improve your smile. Tooth decay and structural damage can cause many individuals to resist smiling and laughing. That’s no way to go through life! We want our patients to laugh and smile to their heart’s content. If you have any questions about how dental crowns work and whether your insurance will pay for them, request an appointment today. We’re glad to help.
