A crown restoration is usually recommended when teeth have been severely damaged. However, crowns can also be used to cover congenitally stained teeth. If you are tired of seeing stained teeth every time you smile, learn more about this procedure.
Crowns are a viable option for congenitally stained teeth because the restoration covers the entire tooth. The tooth is no longer visible, so the stains are hidden. Patients must choose the crown material and then go to two dental appointments to get fitted for crowns.
Patients have lots of options when choosing materials for dental crowns. While crowns made of gold or base metal alloys are the strongest of the materials, many people do not want these options for covering stained teeth. Metal crowns do not blend in with the natural teeth, so people do not get the look they want.
Instead, many people choose ceramic or porcelain-fused to metal crowns. Ceramic crowns are a good option for the front teeth, but the material is not durable enough to withstand the degree of force created during chewing. These crowns are not recommended for back teeth. Porcelain-fused to metal crowns have the same aesthetic appeal of porcelain crowns. However, these crowns are much stronger, making them a wise choice for the back teeth.
The dentist must prepare the tooth before it is fitted with a crown. The dentist might need to take X-rays to look at the tooth structure before preparing the tooth. Next, the dentist numbs the patient and begins filing away the tooth. If the tooth is just discolored and not decayed, the dentist still must remove healthy portions of the tooth before placing the crown.
Porcelain and porcelain-fused to metal crowns are thicker than metal crowns, so dentists must file away more of the tooth. Then impressions are taken and the patient is fitted with a temporary crown. The dentist sends the impressions to a dental laboratory, where a technician fabricates the crown.
It takes one to two weeks for the dental lab to make the crown and send it to the dentist. The patient goes back to the dentist when the crown is ready to be placed. The dentist numbs the area once again and then removes the temporary crown and the cement used to hold it in place. Then the dentist checks the fit of the permanent crown and cements it in place. The cement begins drying immediately.
If you have discolored teeth, visit the dentist to see if a crown restoration is the right choice. You will choose the material for the crown and then the dentist will prepare your tooth. Portions of the tooth must be filed away to support the crown. Then the dentist will take impressions and fit you with a temporary crown. Your new crown will come in within two weeks and you will go back and have it placed. Then the crown will function just like a natural tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://jorgealvarezdds.com or call Jorge L Alvarez DDS at (520) 722-1655 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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