Dental crowns from See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA are a restorative dental solution that many patients benefit from. A dental crown is shaped like a tooth and placed over the original tooth or implant, effectively "capping" it. In essence, it is the portion of the tooth that people see when you smile at them. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, our dental crowns are a wonderful option for patients who have a cracked, broken, damaged, or decayed tooth, and can offer you a fresh smile that shines bright!
The purpose of a dental crown is to strengthen a weak, cracked, or broken tooth. It is placed over the tooth, capping it and restoring its shape, size, and aesthetic. It enhances the original tooth or implant and helps it to resume functioning like a normal tooth. Dental crowns can strengthen weak teeth, offer shape to damaged teeth, or disguise a tooth that is oddly shaped or colored.
There are times when a dental filling is insufficient, and a dental crown must be used instead. For example, while fillings may work well for smaller cavities, larger cavities can leave the tooth rather hollow and in need of additional support.
No, a dental crown does not replace your natural tooth or its root. A dental crown goes over your original tooth or implant and is cemented into place, offering a permanent and durable dental solution. Instead, a dental implant is what takes the place of a natural tooth and its root.
There are two types of dental crowns: temporary dental crowns and permanent dental crowns. Temporary dental crowns are constructed in the office and permanent dental crowns are constructed in a laboratory using a mold of your teeth.
Dental crowns can be composed of a variety of materials. For example, dental crowns may be composed of ceramic, resin, acrylic, porcelain, gold, metal, and so forth. Dental crowns can also be made of a mix of materials, such as porcelain fused to metal.
Dental crowns are typically safe unless an individual has an allergy to the material it is made from. If you have any known metal or other allergies, simply let our office in Santa Barbara, CA know so we can work on a solution for you.
Dental crowns that are composed of materials like ceramic, resin, porcelain, and so forth can be made to resemble natural teeth. However, dental crowns made of metal may add some extra shine to your smile.
Dental crowns are made to enhance the functioning of a natural tooth or implant. In fact, there are quite a few benefits to receiving a dental crown from See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics:
Dental patients who have weak, cracked, damaged, or decayed teeth may benefit from a dental crown. They can also be beneficial for teeth that have recently had a root canal or have been replaced with an implant. If you are unsure if a dental crown is right for you, simply schedule a consultation appointment with See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics by calling (805) 284-0826.
During a root canal procedure, the portion of the tooth that is infected is removed. Using a dental crown after a root canal can strengthen the tooth, allowing it to resume its normal function.
Receiving a dental crown is a straightforward process that typically involves two appointments. First, the tooth will be prepped, and if necessary, its shape and size will be modified before a mold of your mouth is taken. The dental lab will then construct your permanent crown using this mold, and you will receive a temporary crown in the meantime. Once the permanent crown is crafted, you will return to have it cemented into place. You may resume normal activities after receiving your crown and will not have a long recovery period.
In addition to brushing and flossing, you can take care of your temporary dental crown by avoiding foods that are hard, chewy, and sticky. It is also best to slide the floss out rather than lift it since this can dislodge the dental crown.
The lifespan of dental crowns can vary. For example, it depends on the type of material used, oral hygiene, and other habits. Typically, dental crowns last anywhere from 10-20 years.
The cost of dental crowns from See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA can vary, especially if dental insurance is involved. On average, dental crowns may cost anywhere from $500-$2,000. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, our office is committed to providing patients with affordable dental care options, so simply call us today at (805) 284-0826 to learn more!
Dental crowns are a restorative dental solution that strengthens weak, chipped, broken, damaged, or decayed teeth. They can also help reshape and recolor teeth that are oddly shaped or badly stained. Depending on the type of material used, dental crowns can have a long lifespan and offer a durable solution for years to come. At See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics, we help you resume daily activities while giving you a smile that shines!
To learn more about how dental crowns can strengthen your existing teeth or implants, contact us today or give our office in Santa Barbara, CA a call at (805) 284-0826!