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Dental Crowns in Birmingham, AL
Dental crowns in Birmingham, Alabama
When teeth wear down, crack or break, a dental crown can be the best solution. Also known as a dental cap or tooth crown, porcelain crowns are shaped then attached to cover the entire visible surface of the affected tooth while maintaining the viable tooth structure.
Birmingham dentist Dr. Paul Koch carefully matches the new tooth crown to the color of the surrounding teeth. The porcelain material gives dental crowns the beauty and appearance of natural teeth. Additionally, porcelain crowns keep your teeth strong and protected.
There are a variety of reasons we might suggest dental crowns. If you’re unsatisfied with the shape or spacing of your teeth or you’ve broken a tooth, dental crowns can help solve these concerns. Additionally, dental crowns are an integral part of dental implants. If your tooth is missing completely, the tooth root can be replaced with a dental implant and then topped with a dental crown for function and aesthetics. Dental crowns are also used on teeth that have undergone root canals to give strength and protection to the repaired tooth.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
If a broken or severely damaged tooth has affected your smile or previous dental work has left you with less than satisfactory results, porcelain dental crowns are the answer for repair and cover. Porcelain crowns provide a dramatic increase in protection and support for the damaged tooth while giving dental patients a vibrant, natural smile.
Porcelain closely resembles the properties of natural tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is translucent in nature, meaning it allows light to pass through part of it before it is reflected back. This is what gives teeth their characteristic appearance. Porcelain shares this characteristic with natural enamel making a porcelain tooth crown behave and react to light just like enamel so that it looks just like the real surface of your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
How long do porcelain crowns last?
With proper care, some dental crowns can last up to 30 years! It’s important to note, though, that the longevity of a crown will depend on many factors.
These factors might include: general wear and tear, a patient’s dental habits, and regular dental cleanings.
Some things you can do to extend the life of your crowns include:
- Continue a good dental hygiene routine.
- Avoid chewing or biting on things (that are not food) like your fingernails, ice, etc.
- Visit your dentist every six months.
What are dental crowns made of? What types of dental crowns are there?
Dental crowns can be made out of metals, porcelain, resin and ceramics. The most commonly used type of dental crown now, however, is porcelain. Porcelain crowns are incredibly strong, and they look more natural than metal crowns.
How are dental crowns made?
Initially, we’ll look at your smile and discuss what you want out of your new smile! After discussing your dream smile, we’ll take the first step in the process of creating your dental crowns. This involves filing down and shaping the tooth or teeth that need dental crowns.
We’ll then take impressions of those teeth using a putty-like mold. We’ll discuss the desired shape and color of the teeth you want. Your teeth impressions and information about shape and color are sent to a dental lab where the crowns will actually be molded. You will receive a temporary crown while your more permanent tooth is being created by the lab.
Once your dental crown is finished, you’ll return to our office. We’ll remove the temporary crown and fit you with your permanent crown. We’ll check color and shape to ensure that you’re satisfied with your new smile. The crowns are then cemented in place, and you’re good to go!
Are dental crowns permanent?
Dental crowns aren’t necessarily permanent, but they are a long-term solution. Your dental crowns may need to be repaired or replaced after several years of wear and tear or if you’ve cracked a tooth by accident.
With proper care and regular dental appointments, your dental crowns can last you for a very long time!
Do porcelain crowns stain?
One of the best advantages of the porcelain material used to make dental crowns is that they are resistant to staining. Unlike other materials used in the past, porcelain is smooth and less porous, making it far less likely for your porcelain crowns to pick up permanent discoloration or stains.
Contact Us for Cosmetic Dentistry in Birmingham, AL
If you’re interested in receiving cosmetic dentistry services in Alabama, the dedicated team at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry is a great resource for you. Whether you’ve got a broken tooth or just have always wanted to change your smile, we can help.
If you are in the Mountain Brook or Birmingham area and need a tooth crown, call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry. We’ll help you get the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of having.
