Over
time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to
problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration, and other issues. If
you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you
recover your smile. If we notice that a tooth is decayed or seems
weakened/cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure that the
tooth stays strong and that there are no additional problems with the
tooth. In cases like this, a filling or bonding will not be
sufficient.
In
our office, we utilize CAD/CAM technology to deliver same day crowns.
In modern dentistry, crowns are typically made of porcelain, which is
a strong material with a natural look and feel, and can be
well-matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to
blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.
Unlike in the past when crowns had to be sent out to a dental lab and took two visits to the dental office to complete, the same day crowns made in our office utilize modern dental technology so you can leave with your permanent crown on the same day! During the visit, your tooth will be numbed with local anesthetic so that you do not experience any discomfort during the procedure. Then, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, we will use our intraoral digital scanner to electronically produce a 3D model of your teeth so that the crown can be made to fit in the spot created for it, and match the surrounding teeth.
Then, you will have a short break in your appointment to relax while we use the digital crown software to design the porcelain crown. Once the design is ready, our in-office milling unit mills your custom crown out of a block of porcelain in under 10 minutes. Once the crown is ready, we will try it in to make sure it fits perfectly, and then it will be permanently cemented in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.