Dental Crowns in Bellevue, WA

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are prosthetic devices used to cover or encase a tooth entirely, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Made from various materials like porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of both, crowns are custom-designed to match the natural color and contours of your teeth. They are recommended to strengthen a weakened tooth (due to decay or fracture), protect a tooth following root canal treatment, restore a broken or worn-down tooth, or anchor a dental bridge.

The crown procedure involves preparing the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel, taking impressions for precise fitting, and placing a temporary crown. At the same time, the permanent one is crafted in a dental laboratory. Once ready, the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth, providing long-term durability and functionality while enhancing the overall aesthetics of your smile.

Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are made from a high-quality ceramic material that closely resembles the natural appearance of tooth enamel. These crowns are highly favored for their aesthetic appeal, as they blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Porcelain crowns are ideal for restoring front teeth or when appearance is a primary concern. They are also used when a tooth has been severely discolored or when a high level of aesthetic detail is required.

Benefits:

• Porcelain crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas such as the front teeth.
• They are resistant to staining, which helps maintain a bright and natural-looking smile.
• Porcelain is well-tolerated by the gums and surrounding oral tissues, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the durability of metal with the natural look of porcelain. They consist of a metal base covered with a layer of porcelain, balancing strength and aesthetics. PFM crowns are commonly used for both anterior and posterior teeth, especially when a combination of strength and aesthetics is needed. They are ideal for back teeth that require a robust restoration but still need to blend in with natural teeth.

Benefits:

• The metal base offers exceptional strength, making PFM crowns well-suited for teeth that must withstand significant chewing pressure, such as molars.
• The porcelain layer can be customized to match the color of the surrounding teeth, making these crowns suitable for both visible and non-visible areas.
• PFM crowns typically cost less than all ceramic crowns, providing a good balance between durability and affordability.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made from various metal alloys, including gold, platinum, and other base metals. They are known for their exceptional strength and longevity. Metal crowns are most commonly used for back teeth where strength is paramount, and aesthetics is less of a concern. They are ideal for patients who prioritize durability and function over cosmetic appearance.

Benefits:

• Metal crowns are solid and can withstand heavy chewing forces, making them ideal for the restoration of molars and premolars.
• They have a long lifespan and are resistant to wear and tear, making them a durable option for restorative work.
• Metal crowns often require less removal of the natural tooth structure compared to other crown types.

Resin Crowns

Resin crowns are made from composite resin. They are less durable than porcelain or metal crowns but can be a cost-effective solution for temporary restorations. Resin crowns are often used as temporary crowns during the interim period before a permanent crown is placed. They may also be used for patients who need a less durable, more economical solution.

Benefits:

• Resin crowns are generally less expensive than other types of crowns, making them a budget-friendly option.
• They can be easily adjusted and shaped, making them suitable for temporary use or for cases where cost is a significant concern.

The Dental Crown Procedure

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two primary appointments. During the first visit, our dentist in Bellevue, WA, will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas and shaping it to fit the crown. This preparation may involve filing down the tooth to create space for the crown to fit properly.

After shaping the tooth, the dentist will take impressions using a mold or digital scanning technology to create an accurate replica of the tooth and surrounding structures. A temporary crown will then be placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being made, which usually takes a couple of weeks.

At the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown onto the prepared tooth. They will check the crown's fit, bite, and appearance to ensure it aligns correctly with your natural teeth and functions properly. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Once everything is satisfactory, the crown will be permanently cemented into place. This final step restores the tooth's strength and function, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to repair or replace a damaged tooth. Contact us today to learn more.

The Uses of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are versatile restorations used in various dental scenarios to restore and enhance the function and appearance of teeth. One primary use is to protect a weakened tooth from further damage. After a root canal treatment, for example, the tooth often requires reinforcement because removing the pulp can compromise its strength. A dental crown is placed over the tooth to provide protection and restore its function.

Crowns in Bellevue, WA, are also used to cover large fillings, especially when insufficient tooth structure remains to support a filling alone. Crowns ensure durability and prevent future breakage by encasing the tooth.

Another significant use of dental crowns is in cosmetic dentistry. Crowns are often employed to improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or unevenly worn. In such cases, crowns can be crafted from materials like porcelain or ceramic to match the color and texture of natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Crowns are also integral to other dental services, such as dental implants. When an implant is placed to replace a missing tooth, a crown is attached to the implant to complete the restoration, providing a functional and natural-looking replacement for the lost tooth. Thus, dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring function and enhancing the aesthetic outcomes of various dental treatments.

Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth, enhancing aesthetics, and replacing missing teeth. Visit Bellevue Impressions Dentistry at 1811 156th Ave NE, Suite #1, Bellevue, WA 98007, or call (425) 746-8676 to explore how dental crowns can help restore and enhance your smile.