Cosmetic Dentistry: Crowns

Crowns

Dental crowns are also often referred to as caps and are prosthetics that are cemented to the tooth to cover a damaged tooth. In addition to covering the tooth it also helps to strengthen the tooth as well as helping with the alignment of the mouth and adding some aesthetic improvements. Once in place, only a dentist can remove the crown.

In order to make a crown, an impression of the tooth must be taken. Once the impression is taken, often times while the permanent crown is being made, you’ll receive a temporary crown.

There are 4 different types of dental crowns:

1. Ceramic: Used for restoring the appearance and function of the front teeth, ceramic crowns have a more natural look to them and they blend in with the surrounding teeth better than other types of crowns.
2. Porcelain-fused to metal: This type of crown offers an extremely strong and durable bond. These types of crowns derive their strength and durability from the fact that they are attached to a metal structure.
3. Gold alloys: These types of crowns are made of a mixture of gold, copper and other metals and offer another strong type of crown. In addition, gold alloy crowns don’t errode the underlying tooth and they do no fracture.
4. Base metal alloys: This type of crown is made of different types of metals that are resistant to wear and corrosion while offering a great deal of strength and durability. A bonus of base metal alloy crowns is that they require relatively small amounts of the healthy tooth tissue to be removed for a proper fit.

Maintenance of dental crowns don’t require anything out of the ordinary. Regular daily brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush, flossing, a good all around oral hygiene regimen and regular dental office visits will ensure a long lasting solution. As to what type of dental crown best suits your needs, we’ll gladly go over all of your options and discuss the best solutions for your particular needs and preferences during your office visit.

Our Location

Infinite Smiles DC
1145 19th St. NW #508
Washington, DC 20036

Tel: (202) 849-3626
New Patients: (202) 568-6968
After Hours: (202) 826-7000
Fax: (202) 849-3598

 Office Hours

Mon: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tues: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thurs: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sat: By Appointment

After hour & weekend
appointments available