15 Jun Can dental crowns improve the appearance of natural teeth?
For patients whose natural teeth have been marred by damage or decay, a dental crown can help to restore a tooth and enhance its appearance.
A dentist will typically use a dental crown to restore and strengthen a tooth that has developed a large cavity or one that has been damaged due to a facial injury of some sort. Dental crowns also may be used to support a biological tooth following a root canal procedure.
Depending on the circumstances, a dental crown may also be used on an unusually small tooth to bring it into the proper proportions with the rest of the smile.
The process of getting a dental crown takes just a few weeks and requires two appointments. At the first session, the dentist examines the tooth and plans the specifications for the crown. The dentist will also prepare the tooth for the crown at the first visit by removing enough enamel to make room for the crown.
The dentist then forwards the information for the crown’s design to the dental laboratory tasked with creating the crown. That process takes a couple of weeks, but the patient will wear a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one to be fabricated.
The patient then returns to the dentist’s office to try in and cement the crown. The patient will want to be sure that the crown’s appearance is acceptable, because that cannot be altered after the crown is bonded to the tooth.
Dental crowns can be made of all porcelain or porcelain fused to metal (for additional strength). Both options are remarkably lifelike in their appearance. They reflect light in a similar fashion to biological tooth enamel.
Patients who want to improve the aesthetics of a tooth that is severely decayed or otherwise damaged can consider a dental crown as a possible treatment option. Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists by calling 972-264-5795. We will evaluate your case and make recommendations as to how to best proceed.