Crown your smile — how dental crowns can rescue your teeth
Feeling unsure about that chipped tooth? Or perhaps you’re itching for a speedy cosmetic makeover? Whatever the concern, dental crowns have got your teeth covered — literally!
Dental crowns are personalized caps crafted to fit snugly over teeth that might need a little extra love. Think of them as a trusty shield, boosting your chewing, speech, and overall tooth functionality — with a touch of royal charm!
Here’s what you should know about them, and how you could get them in just one visit.
How can dental crowns help??
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it might be time to crown yourself!
Pain or sensitivity
If you’re feeling a little twinge when you chomp down on your favorite treats, it could be a sign of trouble brewing beneath the surface — like a hidden crack or decay getting cozy with your tooth’s nerves. Dental crowns provide a protective layer to ward off further sensitivity.
Visible damage, decay, or discolouration
Dental crowns reinforce even the toughest cracks and chips. Remember to keep an eye out for the three D’s: damage, decay, and discolouration. With a crown, you can trust that all three are handled with care.
Misshapen teeth
While there are many medical reasons to rock a dental crown, it’s also possible to use them as a cosmetic fix. Got a tooth that’s feeling a tad small, some wide gaps, or feel your smile just isn’t hitting the right notes? You can talk to your dentist about potentially crowning a natural tooth.
Large fillings
Surprisingly, those trusty fillings can weaken your tooth over time, leaving it more vulnerable to decay. A crown steps in and prevents the need for future dental work, potentially saving you a bundle in the long run.
What types of crowns are there?
There’s no right or wrong choice, but your dentist can assist you in determining which of these options is best for your needs.
Stainless Steel: Temporary placeholders for your pearly whites — perfect for kiddos with baby teeth.
Acrylic: Usually used as a quick fix when you need a crown in a pinch.
Gold: Sturdy, long-lasting bling generally used for your back teeth.
Porcelain: Blends right in with your smile — plus they’re tough cookies. Great for a front tooth that needs a lift.
Resin: Budget-friendly — but not built to last forever.
Ceramic: Natural-looking and sturdy, just not as tough as metal.
What’s your crown’s lifespan?
Unfortunately, crowns don’t last a lifetime. With proper TLC, your crown can stick around between five and 15 years, depending on its material. Gold crowns are the endurance champs, lasting twice as long as ceramic ones — but it’s also about the look you’re after!
Where your crown hangs out in your mouth can also make a big difference to its lifespan. Those back teeth, which you rely on the most for chewing — encounter more wear and tear than your front teeth. This results in a shorter reign.
What steps can you take to keep your crown in place?
To maintain a snug fit for your crown over time, keep these tips in mind:
- Brush and floss daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush — it’s important for your crown to stay polished.
- Ease up on super-hard and sticky snacks, like nuts and gummies — they can put extra stress on your crown over time.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, consider rocking a mouthguard to give your crown some extra protection.
- Don’t forget to bring your crown in for regular check-ups. Your dentist will keep an eye on it, ensuring it reigns supreme.
And if you ever find your crown feeling a bit wobbly, reach out to your dentist pronto for a fix-up.
Give it a quick rinse and stash it in a safe spot if it falls out. If your crown is still intact, your dentist can likely pop it back into place without fuss.
What’s the coronation process?
At Merivale Dental, our secret to bonding your teeth in just one visit is CEREC!
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It works its magic with high-tech CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology.
This dynamic duo enables your dentist to craft custom dental crowns on-site and fit them in a single sitting. Now that’s some royal treatment!
Got more questions? We’ve got answers!
Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to walk you through our crowning process: 613-224-1391.
