Dental crowns are a common solution for fixing damaged or weakened teeth. These custom-made caps cover a tooth entirely, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often used after procedures like root canals, or when a tooth is cracked, worn down, or heavily decayed. They help save teeth that might otherwise have to be extracted.

One of the main benefits of dental crowns is that they strengthen and protect damaged teeth. This protection helps you chew and speak without discomfort. Crowns also last a long time, making them a reliable choice for many dental problems.

Besides making teeth stronger, dental crowns can improve how your teeth look. If you have discolored or misshapen teeth, a crown can make them look more natural and attractive. This can boost your confidence and help you feel better about your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They cover the entire tooth, from the top down to the gum line, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth and match the color of your surrounding teeth, making them look natural.

These crowns are usually made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Each material has its benefits. For example, porcelain and ceramic crowns look like natural teeth, while metal crowns are stronger and more durable. Your dentist will help you choose the best material based on the location of the tooth and your personal preference.

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will then take an impression of your tooth, which is used to create the custom crown. 

A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready. On the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent one in place.

Protecting and Strengthening Damaged Teeth

One of the main reasons people get dental crowns is to protect and strengthen damaged teeth. Teeth can become damaged for many reasons, including decay, cracks, or after a root canal treatment. When a tooth is damaged, it is weaker and more prone to further harm. A dental crown provides a protective barrier, helping to prevent further damage and reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Crowns help distribute the force of chewing evenly across the tooth, which strengthens it and prevents it from breaking. This is especially important for back teeth that handle most of the chewing. With a crown in place, you can bite and chew foods without discomfort or fear of damaging the tooth further.

Another key benefit is that crowns can save severely damaged teeth from extraction. In cases where the damage is too extensive for a filling to repair, a crown can restore the tooth's function and appearance. This means you can keep your natural tooth instead of having it removed and replaced with an artificial one.

Overall, dental crowns offer a strong and long-lasting solution for protecting and strengthening damaged teeth. They help improve your oral health and allow you to maintain a normal diet and lifestyle without worrying about further damage to your teeth.

Enhancing Appearance and Functionality

Dental crowns do more than just protect and strengthen teeth; they also enhance the appearance and functionality of your smile. If you have teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have large fillings, crowns can cover these imperfections. This gives your teeth a uniform, natural look that boosts your confidence and helps you smile without hesitation.

Crowns can also improve the way your teeth function. If a tooth is damaged or missing, it can affect your bite and how you chew food. A dental crown can restore your tooth's shape and size, ensuring your bite is balanced. This helps prevent further wear and tear on surrounding teeth and makes eating more comfortable and enjoyable.

In addition, crowns can be matched to the color of your surrounding teeth, making them blend seamlessly with your natural smile. This attention to detail ensures that your crowns are not noticeable and look just like your other teeth. Whether you need a crown for a front tooth or a molar, the result is a more attractive and functional smile.

Long-Term Benefits and Maintenance

Dental crowns provide long-term benefits for your oral health. They are designed to last many years, often up to 15 years or more with proper care. This durability makes them a cost-effective solution for addressing a variety of dental issues.

To maintain your crowns, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps remove plaque and prevent decay around the crown. Regular dental check-ups are also essential. During these visits, your dentist can check the condition of your crowns and ensure they are functioning properly.

Avoiding habits that can damage your crowns is also important. This includes not using your teeth to open packages, avoiding hard foods like ice, and not grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your crowns.

With the right care, dental crowns can last many years and continue to provide protection, strength, and improved appearance for your teeth. They are a reliable way to maintain your oral health and enjoy a beautiful smile for a long time.

Dental Crowns: The Key to Repairing and Strengthening Teeth

Dental crowns offer many benefits for those with damaged or weakened teeth. They provide a protective barrier, restore functionality, and enhance the appearance of your smile. Crowns are designed to last many years and with proper care, they can be a cost-effective solution for maintaining your oral health.

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits are essential for making sure your crowns last and perform well. By taking care of your crowns, you can enjoy the long-term benefits they provide.

If you think dental crowns might be the right solution for your dental needs, Valley View Dental is here to help. Our team is experienced in fitting and maintaining crowns to ensure you get the best results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental crown implants can benefit you!