Can Dental Crowns Improve the Appearance of Natural Teeth?

Dental crowns are a common restoration in dentistry. Millions of patients each year require the placement of a crown to protect weak teeth from further damage caused by infected root canals, extensive decay, or excessive wear and tear. Some of the best dentists in the area offer dental crown placement to restore teeth and improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration. Unlike a filling or onlay, which only covers a specific portion of a tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth structure visible above the gums. Because crowns fit over a tooth, they must be made to exact measurements so that they properly fit in between teeth and assist with oral function. For this reason, crowns are made in a dental laboratory by technicians. If a crown is needed, our dentists will take precise molds of the tooth receiving a crown along with the surrounding teeth to determine the proper size for the restoration.

Why would a patient need a dental crown?

A crown allows a patient to keep his or her natural tooth even though it is damaged. Some patients may require a crown due to severe, untreated tooth decay while other patients may need a crown if their tooth has been cracked or chipped. Crowns are often placed after root canal therapy. This is to protect the tooth from further damage and restore its size and shape. For our older patients, crowns are often placed to restore a tooth that is worn down by bruxism (the act of teeth grinding).

Will my smile look natural with a crown?

While some crowns are crafted from metals, more natural looking alternatives are available that can actually improve a patient’s appearance. Crowns made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal resemble the color of a natural tooth. Available in different shades of white, these crowns will be matched to blend with your teeth. If your teeth are yellowed and discolored from damage along with appearing noticeably worn down, a crown will greatly improve the appearance of your smile.