Renew the Look and Function of Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns
In dentistry, we have now reached a time where we no longer need to use unsightly dark metals in any dental restoration like crowns, fillings or bridges. Instead of taking tray impressions, we now use the Itero, that has 3D printing technology. Our crowns, onlays and bridges can then be milled using computer technology with amazing precision and accuracy. This means that our metal free restorations look better, feel better and are more precise in fit than ever before. The Zirconium material has proven to be one of the strongest and most durable types of materials that we have ever used in the mouth. To discover if a crowning treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation today.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have been used as a trusted and versatile restorative treatment for decades. A dental crown can be used to:
- Repair a tooth that has extensive fractures or chips
- Restore a tooth after the removal of a large amount of decay
- Reinforce the strength of a tooth after root canal therapy
- Improve the appearance of a worn or discolored tooth
- Replace a lost tooth in conjunction with a dental implant
Crowns are available to virtually all patients who are maintaining good periodontal (gum) health. When you visit our practice for a consultation, we will examine your tooth and discuss the full benefits of dental crowns to determine if this treatment is right for you.
The Crowning Procedure
Receiving a dental crown is a two-step process. During your first visit, Dr. Van Slate will remove any decayed portions from your tooth and clean it thoroughly. Next, he will carefully remove enamel to reshape the tooth to a smaller size. This step is performed to create a strong bonding surface and ensure that your crown will be properly aligned with surrounding teeth. We will then use our innovative iTero® intraoral scanner to take a detailed 3-D impressions of your reshaped tooth. When compared to traditional impressions, the iTero® creates a much more precise digital image. The images will be uploaded to a computer and sent to an advanced off-site lab, where skilled technicians will custom craft your crown. In addition to crowns made of traditional metal amalgam, we also offer crowns in a range of materials that can be closely matched to the shade of your smile. These materials include dental-grade porcelain as well as IPS e.max® ceramic, which is extremely lifelike and durable.
A custom dental crown from our practice can provide a diverse range of restorative and cosmetic benefits.
The process to create your crown can take a few weeks, and we will provide a temporary crown for you to wear during this time. Furthermore, we may be able to rush production for a faster turnaround time, depending on your needs. When you return to our practice for your final appointment, we will ensure your crown fits comfortably and blends flawlessly with your smile before bonding it in place. Dr. Van Slate will also assess your bite and make any adjustments, if necessary.
IMPLANT SUPPORTED CROWN VS. A CONVENTIONAL BRIDGE
When a person is missing a single tooth, or two teeth side by side, the dental implant gives us some great advantages when compared to a conventional bridge. A dental implant is like a titanium screw that can be surgically placed into the bone where the tooth is missing. The implant simulates the root of a tooth. With an implant procedure, it is no longer required to reduce or grind the natural teeth, like we do for a conventional bridge. The implant prevents bone loss and functions and feels more like a natural tooth. Unlike a conventional bridge, we no longer need to depend on the health of the natural teeth, so implant supported crowns and bridges can last over 30 years.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Dr. Van Slate is committed to undergoing continued education and using cutting-edge advanced technology to provide patients with oral care services of the highest quality. A custom dental crown from our practice can provide a diverse range of restorative and cosmetic benefits. To learn more about dental crowns, reach out to a member of our friendly staff today.
