Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns; Explained by a Norwood Park Dentist Office

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Some front teeth may be damaged to the point where they require a dental crown. These frontal crowns will be designed to match the color of your existing teeth, and they can be made from a variety of materials, the most common being porcelain. These materials do not stain, but it is important to ensure that the dental crown has a coloration that will stand the test of time. For example, if you want to whiten your teeth, it is best to perform the procedure before you install the crown in order for it to match the new color.

When Are Dental Crowns Needed?

Frontal crowns are generally used for restorative purposes, but we do have patients who may need crowns for cosmetic reasons. However, in most cases, a patient will need a crown in case of:

While most crowns are made from porcelain fused to metal (especially in the case of molar crowns), natural-colored ceramic crowns are generally recommended for front teeth. This material is preferable in this case because it does not change the overall aspect of the smile. It is also the preferred alternative because front teeth are not subject to the same amount of pressure as a molar.

Ensuring that the Crown Has the Right Appearance

It’s important to get the color of the front crown right because it will be very visible when you talk or smile. However, once the color has been chosen, it will not change. Therefore, if your teeth are currently one or more shades darker than you’d like them to be, now is the time to get your teeth whitened. Your Norwood Park dentist will also use a material that blends in very well with your other teeth in terms of texture, which will make the crown less noticeable. This is why porcelain is used. Porcelain will reflect light in the same way as your natural enamel, whereas metal bonded with porcelain material and tooth-colored resin have a less realistic look.

Crown Care

The crown should receive the same treatment as your other teeth. Make sure that it is brushed and flossed daily, and that you have regular visits with the dentist to ensure that the crown isn’t damaged or unstable. You will also want to consult your dentist to find a toothpaste that is not too abrasive for the material of the crown.

There are some other precautions that you’ll want to take to protect the new crown. Some of the following activities may seem like harmless habits, but they could end up cracking or chipping the porcelain of the crown. It’s best to avoid chewing on ice, biting pencils or pens, biting too hard on candies and similar food products, or chewing your nails. You will also want to avoid any foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth. Your crown will be fine because it is very hard to stain, but your surrounding teeth may change their color, causing your crown to stand out.

Finding the Right Dentist in Norwood Park

Frontal crowns can blend seamlessly with your existing teeth if the right material and coloration are used. They can be designed to match your exact tooth color, and the crown will last you for years with proper care and regular visits to the dentist. If you are interested in getting frontal crowns in Chicago, Dr. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations are here to help! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.