What Type of Dental Crowns Should You Consider? Insights from a Dentist in Albany Park, Chicago

Dental crowns by a dentist in Albany Park Chicago

Like many other forms of dental treatments, some people are fearful about getting a dental crown or “cap”. However, replacing a chipped or broken tooth is often a necessary dental procedure, as it promotes good oral hygiene, keeps your enamel strong, and enhances your smile. Dentists often recommend using dental crowns when there’s a severe cavity that requires the dentist to remove a large portion of the tooth. However, dental crowns can also be used to treat teeth that are fractured or have a root canal.

A dental crown restores the size and shape of the damaged tooth by fully covering it. Your Albany Park dentist will place the crown over a portion of the existing tooth to fill any gaps between the teeth. A cap covers a decaying or discolored tooth with a new, more durable coating that allows you to chew without pain.

Before you receive a dental crown in Albany Park, Chicago, you will consult with your dentist to choose a cap that’s customized to your individual needs and preferences. If you believe you might need a dental crown, or if your dentist has recommended one, here are some things you should know as you prepare for the procedure:

What Happens During Your First Visit to the Dentist’s Office?

During your first appointment, your Albany Park, Chicago dentist will take X-rays of your tooth and look for any indications of tooth infection that may require a root canal. The damaged tooth will next be filed down to make space for the crown. Next, your dentist will use a paste- or putty-like material to make an impression of the damaged tooth and send it to the lab. This step matches the size of the crown while also ensuring that it does not obstruct your bite. The lab will then make the crown from the impression and send it back to the dentist. One thing to note here is that this process could take up to two weeks. As such, your dentist will fix a temporary cap over the tooth before you leave the clinic.

Some dentists in Albany Park, Chicago — like Dr. Ziols and the staff at Smile Innovations — use a scanning device to create a 3D model of the damaged tooth and then use it to make your crown. This method can make a crown in a single day, eliminating the need for weeks of waiting.

Your dentist will check the crown once to ensure that it fits perfectly. The crown is sealed into place if it fully covers the tooth and causes no issues with your bite. A dental crown should last between five and fifteen years, depending on the material.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

  • Metal: Metal crowns are the most durable crowns you can get. They make chewing and biting easier because of their optimal strength. However, their metallic color means that they are best suited for back-of-the-mouth molars.
  • All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: If you want a dental crown that perfectly matches the color of your natural teeth, an all-ceramic or all-porcelain crown is the best option — especially for front teeth. The only disadvantage is that these crowns are less durable than metal crowns and may irritate adjacent teeth.
  • Porcelain and Metal: A porcelain-and-metal fusion crown also closely matches the color of your natural teeth. However, a metal line may be visible in the tooth, and the porcelain may be prone to cracks and fractures.
  • All Resin: Resin crowns are the least expensive option, but they are more susceptible to chipping and breaking.
  • Pressed Ceramic: A pressed-ceramic crown with a hard inner core outmatches an all-porcelain crown in terms of durability. There are also cosmetic advantages since the porcelain overlay can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.

Wondering If a Dental Crown Is Right for You? Schedule an Appointment with the Most Trusted Dentist in Albany Park, Chicago.

Are you wondering if a dental crown is right for your situation? If so, and if you’re looking to schedule an appointment with the most trusted dentist in Albany Park, Chicago, look no further than Dr. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation for your dental crown procedure.