Damaged or missing teeth can impact the beauty of your smile. With dental crowns, you can restore your natural smile. Learn more about crowns with Dr. Davila and Dr. Velazquez in Greenville, NC.

What are crowns?

 

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps your dentist uses to cover a damaged or missing tooth, or teeth. The crown strengthens the tooth in addition to improving your smile. Your dentist cements the crown in place which then covers the tooth all the way to above the gum line.

The crowns are created based on a mold made of your mouth in order to ensure the crown is the correct shape. Crowns can be used to strengthen damaged or weakened teeth, cover stained teeth, or stabilize teeth with large, deep fillings. Crowns are also part of dental implants used to replace a missing tooth.

Types of dental crowns

There are a variety of materials that can be used in the construction of crowns: porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, or composite resins.

A combination of materials can be used as well. For example, you can select a metal crown covered with porcelain.

Your dentist will help you select the best material for your crown based on the following:

• Tooth location
• How much tooth shows when smiling
• Gum tissue position
• Tooth function
• Amount of natural tooth remaining
• Color of surrounding teeth

Your personal preferences will also be consulted. While your crown is being created, your dentist will place a temporary crown in place using adhesive. It will be removed once the permanent crown is ready.

Onlays and 3/4 crowns cover only a portion of a tooth. This option may be recommended by your dentist if only a portion of your tooth needs to be covered.

Crowns in Greenville, NC

Dental crowns can restore your bite to improve eating and chewing. Your smile is also returned to its natural shine, improving your self-confidence. Good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing can help you maintain your crowns. Your dentist provides the best advice for caring for your crowns.
 

For more information on dental crowns, contact Dr. Davila and Dr. Velazquez at (252) 756-7789 in Greenville NC.