A perfect smile. Beautiful white teeth that match. No imperfections causing us to hide our smiles behind closed lips. And self-confidence that can’t be beat.

Sounds great, right? Well, if you don’t love your smile, these things can be a challenge. And one of the best things you can do for a weakened or damaged tooth is treat it with a dental crown that can alleviate tooth pain as well as restore its look and function. At Sheppard Family Dental Care, we can help you do just that.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Now, a dental crown might not technically be royalty, but we think it’s a close match. A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, helping to bring back its strength, shape, and appearance. 

Crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, crowns are designed to restore function to your tooth and—in the case of porcelain or ceramic crowns—closely resemble your natural teeth in appearance. They are a long-term solution for protecting damaged teeth, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.

Here are some common reasons why you might need a dental crown:

• Protecting a weakened or cracked tooth: A crown provides support and prevents further damage.
• Restoring a tooth after a large filling or root canal: When a tooth loses significant structure, a crown can help bring back its stability.
• Improving the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth: A crown can cover imperfections and create a more even, natural look.

Types of Dental Crowns 

As we mentioned, there are several different types of dental crowns. Your dentist in Lawton, OK, may choose one or another based on the location of your tooth and the severity of the damage. Here are the most common types that you should be aware of.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are popular among patients because they look so natural—they are designed to mimic your teeth’s color and translucency. Porcelain is often used for front teeth where appearance is important. These crowns are an excellent choice for patients looking for a highly cosmetic option.

Ceramic Crowns

Similar to porcelain, ceramic crowns provide a tooth-colored option that blends well with your natural teeth. These are commonly used for both front and back teeth, thanks to their durability, and are a good choice for people with metal allergies.

Metal Crowns

Made from alloys like gold or other metals, metal crowns are incredibly strong and can withstand biting and chewing forces. They are usually recommended for molars, where strength and durability are key.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These crowns offer a unique combination of super strength and porcelain’s natural look. The metal provides a sturdy base, while the porcelain covering offers a tooth-like appearance. This type is often recommended for back teeth, where function and appearance are both important.

Emax Crowns

Emax crowns are made from lithium disilicate, a high-strength ceramic material that provides a great balance of strength and aesthetics. These crowns are recommended for both front and back teeth and are known for their super strength and natural look.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are extremely strong and offer a natural, tooth-like appearance. They are often recommended for patients who need a crown in a high-stress area like the molars. Zirconia is also highly resistant to staining, so you can keep that bright smile for longer.

What to Know About the Crown Placement Process

Getting a crown is a pretty simple process, and it’s one that dentists undertake every day for their patients. Here’s how simple it really is.

• Preparation: During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing any decay and shaping it in preparation for the crown. If you’re receiving a crown and bridge to replace missing teeth, the adjacent teeth are prepared to support the bridge.
• Impressions: After the tooth is prepared, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit crown. These impressions are sent to a lab where the final crown is made.
• Final crown placement: At the second visit, the final crown is carefully fitted and bonded to your tooth. The dentist will make sure it fits comfortably and blends naturally with your other teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns 

Leaving tooth decay and damage untreated can have some pretty serious repercussions down the road. It can even lead to issues with your overall health. Having your dentist at Sheppard Family Dental Care treat the decay and replace the tooth with a crown is typically the best path forward to protect your smile.

Here are the benefits you can expect.

• Restores full function for chewing and speaking: A crown allows you to eat and speak comfortably, just like a natural tooth.
• Protects and strengthens damaged teeth: Crowns provide a layer of protection over weakened or decayed teeth.
• Improves the appearance of your smile: A crown can cover imperfections and match the look of your natural teeth.
• Lasts longer than a dental filling: While a dental filling is great for smaller repairs, crowns are typically a better option for more extensive damage.

Can your smile benefit from a dental crown?

The last thing you want to do is leave tooth decay untreated. If you have been experiencing tooth pain or suspect you have a cavity, it’s time to pay a visit to your dentist in Lawton, OK. We’ll clean your teeth, assess your smile, and determine if a crown is best for you.

Request your appointment today and let restorative dentistry give you your smile back.