At Howze Dental Group, we understand how important it is to have a smile that looks great and works well. As part of our restorative dentistry services, crowns offer a reliable way to strengthen and restore damaged teeth. Dental crowns are a versatile solution for restoring damaged teeth, protecting weak ones, or improving the appearance of your smile. Dr. Howze and Dr. Scott create high-quality crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a strong and beautiful smile you can trust.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are designed to look and function like a natural tooth, providing protection and restoring the tooth’s strength and appearance. They can be made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, depending on your needs and preferences.
Crowns are a great option for a variety of dental issues, including:
- Teeth that are cracked or chipped
- Teeth with large cavities or fillings
- Teeth that are worn down
- Covering a dental implant
- Improving the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
One of the most significant benefits of dental crowns is their ability to protect weakened teeth. When a tooth suffers from extensive decay, cracks, or fractures, it becomes more vulnerable to further damage. A crown covers the tooth entirely, acting as a shield against the forces of chewing and everyday wear.
This protection not only prevents the problem from worsening but also allows the patient to maintain their natural tooth instead of facing extraction. By reinforcing compromised teeth, crowns extend their lifespan and preserve natural oral function.
Crowns also restore full chewing ability, which is essential for maintaining proper nutrition and overall health. When a damaged tooth becomes too painful or fragile to use, patients often adjust their diet or avoid chewing on one side of their mouth. This imbalance can create strain and discomfort over time. With a crown in place, the tooth regains its strength and stability, making it possible to eat comfortably and enjoy a wide variety of foods again.
Another benefit of crowns lies in their role after root canal therapy. Teeth that undergo root canals often lose some of their natural strength and may be at risk of breaking. A crown placed over the treated tooth restores its durability and prevents future complications. This makes crowns an essential part of protecting a tooth that has already been saved through endodontic treatment.
Cosmetic improvements are another major advantage of dental crowns. Patients with teeth that are discolored, worn down, or misshapen can achieve a more natural and attractive smile through this treatment. Unlike other cosmetic options, crowns completely cover the visible portion of the tooth, ensuring consistent shape, size, and color. This transformation boosts confidence while also providing the strength needed for long-lasting results.
Durability is yet another reason crowns remain a trusted dental solution. Modern crowns are designed from materials like porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloys, which withstand the forces of daily use for many years. With proper care, a crown can last more than a decade, making it a reliable long-term investment in oral health.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits to our office. During your first visit, Dr. Howze or Dr. Scott will examine the tooth and prepare it for the crown. This involves removing any decay or damaged areas and reshaping the tooth so the crown can fit snugly over it. An impression of your tooth is then taken to create a custom crown that fits perfectly.
While your permanent crown is being made in a dental lab, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth. At your second appointment, we remove the temporary crown. Then, the dentist will securely bond the crown to your tooth. The result is a strong, natural-looking tooth that blends with the rest of your smile.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can treat almost any restorative or cosmetic dental concern. A crown is one of the most important tools a dentist has.
Repairing Severely Decayed Teeth
When tooth decay progresses beyond what a filling can repair, a dental crown offers the best solution. Large cavities weaken the structure of a tooth, leaving it vulnerable to breaking under pressure. A crown completely covers the tooth, sealing out bacteria and restoring full function. This use helps patients keep their natural teeth instead of resorting to extractions.
Protecting Cracked or Worn Teeth
Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or severely worn down often cannot withstand normal chewing forces. A crown provides reinforcement by distributing pressure evenly across the tooth. This prevents further damage while allowing the patient to chew comfortably. By strengthening compromised teeth, crowns extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of more invasive treatments.
Supporting Teeth After Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy saves teeth affected by deep infection, but the procedure often leaves the tooth brittle. Without added support, the tooth may fracture. Dentists commonly place crowns after root canals to restore durability and function. With a crown in place, patients can use the tooth normally while protecting it from future damage.
Restoring Missing Teeth with Bridges or Implants
Dental crowns also play a critical role in replacing missing teeth. In a dental bridge, crowns anchor the artificial tooth by attaching to the neighboring teeth. For dental implants, a crown is placed on top of the implant post to mimic the look and function of a natural tooth. Both methods restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Improving the Appearance of Teeth
Crowns serve cosmetic purposes as well. Dentists may recommend them to cover teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or uneven. Unlike veneers, which only cover the front surface, crowns encase the entire tooth for a complete transformation. This makes them an excellent option for patients seeking both durability and aesthetic improvement.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown may be the perfect solution. Contact Howze Dental Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about how crowns can improve your smile. Let us help you restore the function and beauty of your teeth with a solution that’s built to last.