As an individual’s mature teeth wear, old fillings or crowns may start to fail. Teeth often shift and the bite isn’t what it used to be. The support of the teeth, our gums and bone, may not be in the best of health. Dr. Milan takes his time and thoroughly analyzes his patients’ overall dental health and function. When a bite needs to be restored with new dental restorations, this is called restorative dentistry. It often combines with cosmetic dentistry to achieve both a healthy and great looking smile. It may include crowns, bridges and / or dental implants. Gum treatment, including painless laser treatment, is sometimes necessary.
Dental Implants | All-Porcelain Crowns | Cerec Crowns One Visit | Porcelain Bridges | Dentures
All-porcelain Crowns
If you ever had the notion that dental crowns are conspicuous and unattractive, then you’ve never noticed a beautifully crafted all-porcelain crown.
Compared to older porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-porcelain crowns have a natural appearance in terms of color and contour. When done properly, crowns should be extremely difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. With all-porcelain crowns, no dark lines are apparent at the gum line.
Our office commonly replaces unsightly crowns with beautiful new porcelain crowns.
Crowns
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.
Preparing the Tooth and Crown
During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth to be crowned and remove the decay in or around it. The tooth is then re-sculpted to provide an easy fit for the crown. This is a painless process that is performed in the dentist’s chair.
An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made crowns are created (this usually takes one to two weeks). During this interim period, temporary crowns made of an acrylic resin are fitted onto the teeth.
Applying the Crown
On your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto the teeth. He or she makes sure the crown has the proper look and fit, and then cements the crown into place.
Maintaining Your New Crown
It is necessary to care for your crown just as you would natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will help to keep the teeth, gums, and new crown free from the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice or pistachios, which can cause crowns to crack or break over time. Given proper care, crowns can last several decades, and may last a lifetime.