Whether providing protection for weakened teeth or restoring function and aesthetics following tooth loss, dental crowns are some of cosmetic dentistry’s unsung heroes.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap, typically made from porcelain (though options including porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloys, and zirconia are available), that’s used to cover and protect a damaged tooth or the site of an extracted tooth. A crown provides structural support in the mouth, a renewed chewing surface, and the self-confidence that comes with a uniform and attractive smile.
In cases of damage or decay in which the original tooth can be saved, a dentist will treat a tooth by removing the decay and shaping it to fit a crown, which is sized to fit over the natural tooth and provide a more natural-looking smile and protection from further damage and decay.
When a natural tooth can’t be saved and requires extraction, a dental implant (artificial root) is placed into the jawbone. After this, an “abutment” (a small peg, typically made of titanium) is placed on top and acts as a connector for the dental crown.
How Dental Crowns Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
Dental crowns can improve the appearance of both a person’s smile and facial structure in several ways. Here are the most significant ones:
- Restoring the shape of a tooth – placing a crown over a tooth that is chipped or cracked restores that tooth to its original shape.
- Covering up misshapen or discolored teeth – when a tooth is particularly misshapen or severely discolored and unresponsive to whitening treatments, a crown matching the color of the surrounding teeth can help improve a person’s smile.
- Filling gaps between teeth – dental crowns can fill in gaps between teeth, providing structural support to the mouth and uniformity to a smile.
- Improving appearance after a root canal – dental crowns strengthen and improve the appearance of weakened and discolored post-root canal teeth.
Dental Crowns in Colorado Springs CO
If you’re in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about dental crowns, contact dentist Dr. Mike Terveen and the Springs Family Dental team to schedule a consultation appointment.