Dr. Jee Lee and Dr. Yong Kim may recommend dental crowns and bridges to help you regain a healthy, beautiful and fully functional smile. These restorative treatments are great options for restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth so you can once again smile, speak and eat with confidence.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made restorative caps that cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are crafted from various materials such as porcelain, metal or a combination of these materials, offering both strength and aesthetic appeal. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is extensively decayed, cracked or discolored beyond the point of repair with fillings. By encapsulating the affected tooth, crowns restore its shape, function and appearance. If you receive this treatment, our dentists will carefully shape the tooth to accommodate the crown, take impressions and then design a crown that fits seamlessly into your bite. Once the crown is ready, it will be cemented onto the prepared tooth, providing durable protection and a natural look.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several key benefits that make them a versatile solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. One of the primary advantages is strength and durability. Crowns are crafted from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic or metal alloys, providing long-lasting protection for your natural tooth. They are designed to withstand the normal pressures of biting and chewing, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably without worrying about further damage to the affected tooth.
Another significant benefit is improved appearance. Crowns can be customized to match the color, shape and size of your surrounding teeth, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your smile. This is particularly valuable if the tooth in question is cracked, chipped or discolored. A well-placed crown can seamlessly blend in with your other teeth, providing a natural and polished look.
Crowns also serve a protective function. They act as a shield, covering the entire visible portion of the tooth. This protects the underlying structure from further decay, cracks or wear, which is especially important after procedures like root canals, where the tooth may be more vulnerable. By encapsulating the tooth, crowns help preserve its integrity for many years.
Additionally, crowns can be a stabilizing solution for teeth that have large fillings. If a tooth has been extensively repaired with fillings, it may not have enough structure to remain stable on its own. A crown reinforces the tooth, preventing further fractures or complications.
Overall, dental crowns offer a long-term solution to protect, restore and enhance your teeth, ensuring both functionality and appearance are maintained. With proper care, they can last for many years, making them a reliable investment in your oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation
For more information about dental crowns and bridges in Anaheim, California, or to schedule a consultation with our dentists, contact Dental Group of Anaheim today at 714-635-5500.
FAQ
What are dental crowns used for?
Dental crowns are primarily used to protect and restore teeth that are damaged, weakened or decayed. They are ideal for teeth that have large fillings, are cracked or have undergone a root canal treatment. Crowns act as a protective cap, restoring the tooth’s shape, size and function while also preventing further damage. In some cases, crowns are also used to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, providing a durable and aesthetic solution.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting restorations, and with proper care, they can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups, can help extend the lifespan of a crown. Additionally, avoiding habits like teeth grinding or biting on hard objects can prevent unnecessary wear and prolong the life of your dental crown.
Are dental crowns natural-looking?
Yes, modern dental crowns are custom-made to closely match the color, shape and size of your surrounding teeth, ensuring they look as natural as possible. Dentists take great care to ensure that the crown blends seamlessly with your smile, making it nearly impossible for others to tell that you have a crown. Crowns made from materials like porcelain or ceramic offer the most natural-looking results, as they reflect light in a way that mimics natural teeth.
What materials are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials depending on the needs of the patient. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular choices for their natural appearance and ability to match the color of adjacent teeth. Metal alloys, such as gold or silver, are often used for their durability, especially on molars that endure heavy chewing forces. Some crowns are made from a combination of metal and porcelain, providing both strength and a natural look.