Houston Dental Crowns

What are crowns?

Dental crowns are frequently used to cover severe tooth defects and create an artificial shield against bacteria and infection. The crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over teeth, augmenting their strength and structure. There are multiple types of materials available to make crowns, providing varying degrees of visibility. They cover the portions of tooth that exists just above the gum line.

Are you a suitable candidate for dental crowns?

Dental crowns should not be used to correct mild tooth deficiencies that can be solved easier with whitening, veneers, or bonding. It is a procedure that is best suited for those with severe defects, as some shaping is necessary.

• Teeth severely weakened from cavities or fractures can benefit from the strength that dental crowns can provide. The teeth are protected from further harm and can function normally again.


• Extreme grinding can wear down teeth, in some cases even to virtual stumps. Left without dental treatment, this can negatively impact the bite of your teeth, which leads to jaw problems and exacerbates cases of TMJ.


• By the time some cavity fillings are applied, there is very little tooth surface left. Crowns create an artificial structure, which allows for the proper placement of fillings and can hide evidence of prior dental procedures such as implants.


• Oftentimes dental bridges are necessary to close large gaps caused by missing teeth. Crowns are used to support the bridge framework while artificially returning the missing teeth.


• Depending on the severity of the situation, misshapen teeth are better served by crowns than veneers. A crown will also return functionality on a more permanent basis.

If you are experiencing one or more of these conditions, it is time to consider a dental crown. Lakewood Dentistry has many years of experience returning smiles through the use of expertly crafted crowns.

Types of Dental Crowns
There are many types of veneers available for your specific situation, such as:

• Full Gold Crowns: Contrary to what the name implies this type of crown is often made from a mixture of different alloys, including platinum, gold, palladium, silver, tin, and copper. The mixture used is dependent on size, tooth density, durability of material, and space available. These crowns are generally reserved for teeth located in the rear of the mouth as they can easily withstand bite pressure. People with metal allergies should avoid this type of crown and use a resin or porcelain based one instead.


• Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns:This type of crown is a hybrid of both the porcelain and metal processes. It is driven by aesthetics, creating a naturally white tooth with the strength of the underlying metal. The layer of metal provides an accurate fit over the surface of the teeth. Gum care becomes especially important as receding gum lines can reveal the lower layer of metal.


• Resin Crowns-- These crowns are affordable and efficient. The base material is made of a reinforced resin composite and requires more upkeep than traditional crowns. New acid etching techniques help create an accurate and natural looking tooth.


• Porcelain Crowns-- As the most popular base, porcelain crowns provide a realistic surface, while effectively protecting the delicate tooth inside. The material is extremely durable, resistant to breaks and stains, and can be matched to any shade. The translucent material helps it blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. These crowns are typically used on the front teeth as those in the rear receive the most pressure when chewing and biting.

The type of crown that is best for your situation can best be determined with a consultation at our offices.

The Process

An initial consultation with our experienced staff will help us best decide the best course to take in correcting your unique smile with veneers. Your previous dental history and present condition can greatly impact which crown is best or if crowns are not the best option for your situation. X-rays are then taken to determine the strength of the tooth and surrounding area. If damage to the root is excessive, it may be unsafe to install a crown until a root canal takes place.

When a crown is applied, the existing cavity or defect is shaped to provide a stable base and room for the new material to be placed. This is done after applying general anesthesia. The amount of shaping fluctuates based on the type of dental crown chosen. If large portions of the tooth are missing, a filling may be used to recreate structure for the crown.
Impressions of the tooth in question and surrounding teeth are then taken to make sure the specifications are accurate. The impressions and information gathered are sent to the dental laboratory, where experienced technicians will craft your custom crown. We will also create a temporary crown to keep your teeth protected until the permanent crown is ready.
Our trusted team will then examine the completed crown to make sure it fits absolutely perfectly. If it fits, down to the shade and sheen, it will be affixed permanently with dental cement.

Aftercare

Long-term care is important in extending the lifespan of your crown. The following tips can help ensure that you keep a sparkling smile:

• Solid foods that may crack your teeth should be consumed with moderation. Metal crowns are extremely durable, but those made of porcelain or composite may chip under extreme pressure.


• Avoid things that may discolor or corrode the bonding cement or porcelain surface, such as coffee, certain spices, and red wine.


• Please contact us immediately if you are prone to grinding your teeth. We will create custom night guard to preserve that healthy smile.


• Crowns require a healthy gum line. The more that gums recede, the more apparent the difference between the natural and artificial tooth.

Contact Lakewood Dental Today!

At Lakewood Dentistry, we provide complete and accurate information so we can come to an informed solution together. If you decide that veneers are not right for you, we have many other cosmetic dentistry options to give you the smile that you deserve. Please call us today at 281-320-0400 so we can give you a flawless smile. Our team has many years of experience using crowns to put smiles back to enhance the smiles of people in the Houston, Tomball, Spring, and Cypress communities in Texas.