OUR BALLANTYNE DENTIST EXPLAINS THE BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN CROWNS
Crowns are used to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to restore a tooth that’s already broken, or to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. They’re also used to cover a dental implant. Crowns are made from various materials, but most often ceramic or porcelain. A crown at the back of the mouth could be metal, though many patients choose not to go that route because they can be highly visible and do not blend with your natural smile. There are several advantages and disadvantages to getting crowns, so they may not be right for every smile. If you are considering dental crowns, call our Ballantyne dentist to learn more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holt.
Composite-resin dental crowns are the most affordable form of dental crowns. They wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, so they’re not ideal for all patients. Composite-resin crowns are an excellent way to restore your smile in the short-term, but they’ll need to be replaced in a few years. Porcelain crowns are much more durable than composite-resin, but they can be expensive. Both types of crowns provide you with a natural-looking smile, but they don’t offer the same level of durability. Talk to Dr. Holt about which option would be the right choice for your smile.
If you’re getting dental crowns, you’ll need to make two visits to Holt Family Dentistry. The first visit involves Dr. Holt assessing the tooth to make sure it can support a dental crown, then filing the tooth down to prepare for the crown. If Dr. Holt finds that the tooth is too damaged or broken, she’ll need to fill it in to make it large enough to properly receive the crown. Once the tooth has been filed or filled to the proper shape, an impression is made and sent to our dental lab so the permanent crown can be made. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed in your mouth until the permanent one is ready for application during the second appointment. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, after which Dr. Holt positions and fastens the new crown to the tooth with a special adhesive.
Crowns are long-lasting and remain for a lifetime if properly cared for. However, there are certain steps to ensure the longevity of your crown. Below are essential tips to make sure your mouth and gums are in great shape:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Floss daily to remove food and debris from in between your teeth
- See our Ballantyne dentist every six months for checkups and professional cleanings
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, and other hard objects to prevent your new crown from getting damaged.
The strong and confident smile of your dreams is just a call away! Come see Dr. Holt today to learn more about dental crowns. Restore and protect your teeth with the help of our restorative services! Holt Family Dentistry is proud to offer quality dental care to the Ballantyne community through advanced dental treatments and state-of-the-art facilities. Call our team at (704) 542-2325 to schedule your next appointment with us.