Crowns Specialist

What is a crown?

A dental crown is also called a "cap." It's placed on top of a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can enhance the tooth's appearance and stability. The crown goes over the original tooth and is bonded into place, so the tooth is completely covered, from the gum line up.

Why would I need a crown?

The dentists at Cai Dentistry may recommend a crown in a variety of situations. A crown can cover a dark or misshapen tooth or a dental implant.

In addition to making a natural tooth look better, a crown can provide support to a tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.

Many patients are great candidates for dental crowns, for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. Whether you need a crown to fix the appearance of a tooth or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental crown can protect teeth for years to come.

Which kind of crown is right for my teeth?

Dental crowns can be constructed from many materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Gold or another alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

The material used depends on a range of factors. For example, stainless steel is usually the preferred material for temporary crowns. Stainless steel crowns are incredibly durable. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are commonly used for children who need crowns on baby teeth.

Metal crowns are sturdy and able to tolerate the impact of biting and chewing, but due to their striking color, they're commonly reserved for rear molars.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For example, the opposing teeth may endure more wear than they would with other types of crowns, and the metal portion of the crown may show as a dark line near the gums.

All-resin crowns are more affordable, which makes them an appealing choice for many patients, but they're also more prone to fractures. All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for men and women with metal allergies.

What should I expect when I get a crown?

Most of the time, a minimum of two visits are necessary for a dental crown procedure. During the first appointment, your Cai Dentistry professional will take X-rays to assess the health of the tooth that requires the crown.

Next, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and its surrounding tissue. The tooth will be filed down or built up so that the crown will fit properly and securely. After, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to the dental lab and used to construct a custom crown. Your dentist will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.

To learn more about dental crowns, call Cai Dentistry or make an appointment online.

Many men and women have dental crowns. In fact, the number of Americans with dental crowns is on the rise. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 15 million people in the United States have crowns put in place of missing teeth. The experienced dentists at Cai Dentistry are highly trained and ready to answer your dental crown questions. Call or schedule an appointment if you think you might need a crown. Cai Dentistry is conveniently located near you in Vienna and McLean, Virginia.

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