Dental Crowns
Broken teeth, serious decay, wear and tear — these are just a few issues that dental crowns can help with. These tooth coverings are designed to fit over teeth, protecting them from additional damage and lowering the risk of needing them removed.
At Truax Downtown Dental, our dentists in Fort Myers, FL, recommend dental crowns when patients have teeth that are at risk of infection or more severe damage.
What Are Dental Crowns?
These restorations are caps that cover a whole tooth. They’re custom-made to fit over weakened or damaged teeth, making them stronger and more functional again.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown?
Are you unhappy about your smile? Or is a worn or broken tooth making it uncomfortable to chew? Crowns can help in both of these situations due to the benefits they offer, such as:
- Preventing further wear and tear
- Lowering the risk of additional damage
- Preventing infections
- Restoring chewing abilities
- Improving your smile
What Are Different Crown Types and Materials?
Crowns come in more than one type. Some are made of metal, while others are made of porcelain. You can even get crowns that have both of these materials. Ceramic crowns are another option.
Each type has certain pros and cons. Metal crowns are sturdy, yet visible, so they may not be the best option for front teeth. Porcelain and ceramic are tooth-colored, though not as durable as metal. Porcelain and metal crowns offer the best of both, with aesthetic appeal and sturdiness.
Most crowns we do today are the newest crown material, Zirconia, looks like a ceramic but is actually an alloy.
When You Might Need a Crown
Our dental team may suggest getting a dental crown if you have any teeth that are weak from decay or erosion. Or you may need this type of dental restoration for a cracked or broken tooth. But there are other situations where a crown might make sense, such as covering teeth with extreme discoloration.
Crowns are sometimes used with other treatments, too. We use them as part of the dental implant process. They’re also placed on teeth after root canals and to hold bridges in place.
What to Expect When You Get Crowns
When you make an appointment for dental crowns in Fort Myers, FL, the process starts with tooth preparation. We have to take off some enamel, so your crown fits. We’ll also take dental impressions for your custom crown and give you a temporary one to wear in the meantime.
Your second visit’s when you get your permanent crown. We’ll remove the temporary one and replace it with your custom-made crown, ensuring it fits right and bonding it to your tooth.
How to Take Care of Dental Crowns
We recommend the following to help your crowns last as long as possible:
- Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste.
- Don’t crunch or chew on hard foods, like nuts.
- Avoid sticky foods that can loosen crowns.
- Don’t chew on ice or other objects.
- Never use your crowns like tools for opening bags or packaging.
- See us twice a year for routine cleanings and exams.
How Long Dental Crowns Last
That depends on the type you get. But they may last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more when you take good care of them! Some types, like metal, last longer than less durable types.
Schedule an Appointment Today for Dental Crowns!
Do you have a damaged tooth that needs extra strength and protection? At Truax Downtown Dental, we offer dental crowns in Fort Myers, FL, to keep your natural teeth safe from harm and improve your appearance!
