At First Class Smiles, we believe that your smile deserves the utmost care and attention. Our dental crowns are designed to restore the function and strength of your teeth while enhancing their beauty, ensuring you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Your journey to a more radiant and healthy smile starts here!
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to encase and protect a damaged tooth, effectively restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Whether the damage is due to cracking, decay, or extensive wear, crowns offer a long-lasting solution that can endure for many years with proper care.
These crowns are typically recommended for various dental concerns, including severely decayed or broken teeth, those with large fillings that may be compromised, and following root canal treatments. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of misshapen or discolored teeth and are often used to support dental bridges.
When Would You Need a Dental Crown?
Your dentist might recommend that you get a dental crown in the following common scenarios.
- Large Cavities or Tooth Decay: When a tooth has a substantial cavity that cannot be addressed with a standard filling, a dental crown can provide the strength and protection needed to prevent further deterioration.
- Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth: If a tooth is cracked or broken, particularly if it affects your bite or causes discomfort, a crown can cover and safeguard the tooth, restoring its integrity and function.
- After Root Canal Treatment: Following a root canal, a tooth may become brittle and more prone to fractures. A dental crown offers protection and reinforcement for the tooth after this procedure.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: Dental crowns are frequently used on the teeth next to a missing tooth to secure a dental bridge, helping to restore your chewing and speaking abilities.
- Worn Down Teeth: Teeth that have been worn down due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can be revitalized with crowns, enhancing their shape and preventing further wear.
What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, commonly composed of gold or other alloys, are recognized for their strength and durability. They can endure significant chewing pressure, making them ideal for back teeth where force is greatest. Although their metallic look is less aesthetically pleasing, they require minimal tooth reduction and can last 10 to 15 years or more. Metal crowns are often recommended for patients seeking a dependable and long-lasting solution in less visible areas.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are celebrated for their natural look and ability to blend effortlessly with adjacent teeth. They are particularly suited for front teeth due to their aesthetic qualities and can effectively replicate the translucence of natural enamel. With the right care, they can last for many years, making them a favored option in cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the robustness of metal with the visual appeal of porcelain. The metal foundation provides strength, while the porcelain exterior gives a natural look. However, they may require more tooth reduction compared to porcelain crowns alone, and a visible metal line may appear at the gum line over time, especially with gum recession.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are crafted from high-quality dental ceramics, offering exceptional aesthetics that make them suitable for both front and back teeth. They are biocompatible, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions or irritation to the surrounding gums. While ceramic crowns are durable and wear-resistant, they may not be as strong as metal crowns when subjected to heavy chewing forces.
How Can Dental Crowns Benefit You?
- Restoring Tooth Function:Dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring the functionality of damaged teeth, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak with confidence.
- Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Designed to match the color, shape, and translucence of your existing teeth, dental crowns ensure a seamless blend that enhances the overall beauty of your smile.
- Long Lasting: With proper maintenance, dental crowns can endure for many years—often even decades—making them a wise investment in your oral health.
- Improved Confidence: A well-crafted crown not only restores functionality but also revitalizes your smile. By improving the appearance of your teeth, crowns can greatly enhance your self-esteem, enabling you to smile with confidence and pride.
Understanding the Dental Crown Process
First Visit
During your first visit, the dentist will carry out the following steps to begin the procedure for dental crown placement.
- Tooth Preparation:To prepare your tooth for a crown, your dentist will need to remove some of the natural enamel. This creates space for the new crown and ensures it adheres properly once bonded. Your dentist may also use filling material to build up specific areas of your tooth. The primary goal during this step is to establish a solid foundation for your new crown.
- Dental Impressions: Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These can be either physical impressions made with a putty-like material or digital impressions captured using a handheld scanner. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will use them to create your custom dental crown.
- Temporary Crown Placement: It typically takes two to three weeks, and sometimes longer, for the dental lab to fabricate your new crown. While you wait, your dentist will place a temporary crown, usually made from resin or acrylic.
Second Visit
Once the lab completes your new crown, it will be sent back to your dentist’s office. During your second visit, your dentist will:
- Remove the temporary crown.
- Check the color, shape, and the fit of your new crown.
- Bond the new crown to the tooth with the help of strong dental cement.
Follow-Up Care
Your dentist may arrange a follow-up appointment to confirm that everything is working properly and to address any concerns you may have.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
On average, you might expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 for a dental crown. It’s a good idea to consult with your dentist for a specific estimate based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Depending on the material used to craft your dental crown, you can expect to pay the following:
- Porcelain crowns: $800 to $3,000 per crown
- Ceramic crowns: $800 to $3,000 per crown
- Metal crowns (gold or other alloys): $600 to $2,500 per crown
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: $800 to $2,500 per crown
Many dental clinics provide financing plans or payment options to help you manage the cost of dental crowns. Additionally, you can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for dental expenses, including crowns.
Why Choose First Class Smiles for Your Dental Crowns?
- Experienced Team: Our dental professionals possess extensive experience in designing and placing custom dental crowns that are both functional and visually appealing.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize cutting-edge dental technology to guarantee precision and comfort throughout every treatment.
- Personalized Care: We ensure that your crown is customized to meet your specific needs for optimal results.
- Comfortable Environment: From your initial consultation to the final placement of your crown, our team is dedicated to making your experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Book Your Appointment for Dental Crowns in Des Plaines, IL
Looking to get a dental crown in Des Plaines, IL?
Get in touch with First Class Smiles and experience the difference in dental care!
Call us today at (847) 264-4152 or schedule your appointment online to restore your smile with custom dental crowns!
FAQs
Are dental crowns painful to get?
The process of getting a dental crown is typically not painful, as local anesthesia is used to numb the area. You may experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this usually subsides quickly.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a dental crown involves practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly. It’s also important to avoid hard foods and habits like teeth grinding to prevent damage.