Having an incomplete smile can be difficult, both in terms of confidence as well as oral function. Missing teeth, misshapen teeth, cracked teeth, no matter the issues, oral problems like these can break a person’s confidence and cause several problems with speaking and eating. Fortunately, there are solutions to help those struggling with oral difficulties such as these. Our excellent dentist, Dr. Glen Stephenson, strongly believes in providing and ensuring each patient has the options for the care their smiles need and does so by giving restorative dental treatments like dental crowns at Prevention Dental in Meridian and Boise, ID.
Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore your smile while keeping it natural and healthy. However, what are dental crowns, and can they truly help? Read on to learn all you need to know about dental crowns and their benefits.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth surface to restore its shape, size, and strength. They are made of various materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Crowns are cemented onto a natural tooth or implant and designed to match the color of nearby teeth.
Who Can Dental Crowns Benefit?
Dental crowns can help in various ways, but what are those different ways of helping improve and restore your smile? Well, dental crowns are perfect for the following reasons:
- To support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
- To protect a weakened tooth from breaking or cracking
- To hold together parts of a tooth that have cracked
- To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- To support a dental bridge
- To cover a dental implant
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the wear and tear they are exposed to and how well you follow good oral hygiene practices. To ensure your dental crowns can last for years, the oral hygiene practices you can adopt and maintain are that of the regular oral hygiene care we strongly encourage and recommend.
- Brushing Your Teeth: Night and day, you should be brushing your teeth. By brushing your teeth, you get rid of the germs and particles of food resting on your teeth and gums throughout the day and night. With dental crowns, you can brush your teeth twice daily, just like you would if you didn’t have a dental crown. To further take care of your dental crowns and the rest of your teeth, you can use a soft bristle brush to avoid any damage to the dental crown.
- Flossing The Gaps: Flossing between your teeth will get to the stubborn food and germs hiding between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing (and we don’t mean the dance move) will help to ensure your smile and gums will stay healthy and protect your dental crown from any damage.
- Mouthwash: Mouthwash is an excellent way to protect further your smile and your dental crown from tooth decay. After brushing and flossing your teeth, use mouthwash to help kill any bacteria in your mouth. Mouthwash is also an excellent option to kill the germs that cause bad breath.
- Mouthguards: If you are in high-contact sports, we strongly encourage patients to wear mouthguards. Mouthguards are an excellent way to protect your teeth and jaw from damage during high-contact sports like football. Wearing a mouthguard can protect your smile but can also protect your dental crown from damage.
- Dental Exams: Schedule an appointment with Dr. Glen Stephenson at Prevention Dental every six months to ensure your smile is healthy. At your bi-annual appointment, you will also receive a cleaning. Professional dental cleaning removes stubborn tartar that regular brushing cannot remove.
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
Having to receive a dental procedure can be nerve-wracking and make that one question pop up: will it hurt? Getting a crown should be relatively painless as a procedure. The reasoning is that our dentist will use local anesthesia during the procedure to eliminate discomfort. After getting a dental crown, you may encounter mild pain, sensitivity, or soreness for a few days. However, this should reduce considerably after a week or two. It is also essential to maintain good oral hygiene and regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure long-lasting benefits of your crown.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have numerous benefits, such as:
Providing Protection
First and foremost, dental crowns provide protection. If you have a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or weak, a crown can help reinforce it and prevent further damage. This is especially important for molars and premolars, which are prone to cracking and breaking due to their location and function. With a crown in place, you can continue to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, knowing that your tooth is safe and secure.
Function Restored
Another benefit of dental crowns is that they can restore function. If you have a tooth that is missing or severely damaged, it can be difficult to eat or speak properly. A crown can help mimic the natural shape and size of your tooth, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak normally again. Plus, since crowns are custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth, they provide a comfortable and secure fit.
Long-Lasting
Dental crowns can also last a long time with proper care. While most dental procedures require maintenance or replacement over time, crowns are designed to withstand wear and tear for many years. This means you can enjoy the benefits of your crown for a long time without worrying about frequent follow-up appointments or replacement costs.
Cosmetic Fix
Furthermore, dental crowns can also work purely for cosmetic reasons. If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or otherwise aesthetically unpleasing, a crown can help give you the smile you’ve always wanted. And since dental crowns can match the color and shape of your existing teeth, they look natural and seamless.
Self-Esteem Restored
A smile is the first thing a person notices about you, and with missing teeth or decaying teeth, smiling is the last thing someone would want to do. With a restorative dental treatment like dental crowns, you can restore your smile and have a complete smile again. With a smile you can be happy with, you can smile for all to see and feel confident doing so.
Are There Any Alternatives to Dental Crowns?
Yes, there are alternatives to dental crowns, such as veneers or fillings. Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic procedure that can improve the aesthetic of your smile and its function. In comparison, fillings are ideal for restoring your smile after removing cavities. However, these may not provide the same level of protection and durability that a dental crown offers.
Dental Crowns in Boise and Meridian, ID
Dental crowns are an excellent option for individuals who need to restore their teeth’ shape, size, and functionality. At our dental office in the Meridian and Boise areas, we proudly ensure all our patients are given the option to receive dental crowns to help restore their smiles. So, are you ready to take control of your smile and get the care you need to fix your smile and confidence? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Glen Stephenson today. Our dentist will be there for you every step of the way and ensure you fully understand the process of getting dental crowns.