A damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t have to mean the end of a healthy smile. Our dental office offers custom dental crowns to restore strength, function, and appearance to teeth that need extra protection. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, a dental crown can preserve and protect your smile for years to come.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. It fully encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, protecting it from further damage and improving its appearance.
Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is:
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- Severely decayed or weakened
- Cracked, chipped, or worn down
- Discolored or misshapen
- Treated with root canal therapy
- Supporting a dental bridge or covering a dental implant
Each crown at Lans Family Dentistry is custom designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, blending beautifully into your smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
These crowns offer the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth. They closely mimic the color and clarity of natural enamel, making them a popular choice for patients seeking an aesthetic solution.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the appearance of porcelain on the outside. They are often used for both front and back teeth and provide a durable option with a natural look.
All-Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy)
Metal crowns are extremely strong and resistant to wear, making them ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing pressure. Though not tooth-colored, they are long-lasting and reliable.
During your consultation, our team will help you choose the best crown material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your personal preferences.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits:
- Tooth Preparation: During the first visit, we gently reshape the tooth to make room for the crown. We then take digital impressions, which are used to craft your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being made.
- Crown Placement: At your second visit, we remove the temporary crown and carefully fit the permanent one. We make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure, comfortable fit and then bond the crown in place.
Once placed, your crown will look and function just like a natural tooth.
Caring for Your Crown
Dental crowns are designed to be strong and durable, but proper care is essential to ensure their longevity. To keep your crown and the underlying tooth healthy:
- Brush and floss daily, especially around the crown’s edges
- Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pens
- Visit Lans Family Dentistry regularly for exams and cleanings
With good care, your dental crown can last many years—often a decade or more.
Restore Strength and Confidence to Your Smile
Our dental office is committed to helping patients restore their oral health with strong, natural-looking dental solutions. If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown may be the best way to preserve and protect it.