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Dental Crowns

Protecting and Restoring The Teeth

Also called dental caps, dental crowns cover, protect and restore teeth. Versatile and durable, dental crowns are usually used in place of fillings. They fit right over the entirety of a tooth and have many benefits—they protect weak or damaged teeth, restore functionality after receiving implants or certain treatments and improve the overall appearance of a tooth.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns

At Stewart Dental, our dentists use dental crowns for a multitude of cosmetic and restorative purposes, reasons including:

  • Covering stained or discolored teeth

  • Treating misshapen teeth

  • Restore functionality after implants, root canals or other treatments

  • Protecting a cracked or decayed tooth

Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns vary in strength and are made from different materials. Before placing the device, our dentists discuss the different options to help patients find the best one for their smile. Types of materials include:

Stainless steel

Durable and affordable, stainless steel crowns are a good option for larger teeth such as the molars and back teeth.

These natural-looking porcelain crowns blend in with the rest of the teeth. They are also conveniently and quickly created in the office, allowing patients to be treated that same day.

Clear and crystal-like, dental appliances made of this material are tooth-like in appearance and more durable than other options.

These strong crowns can stand up to much wear and tear. Due to the conspicuous appearance of gold and metal, they are often used only on the back teeth.

With all the advantages of metal crowns but with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain, these kinds of crowns are strong and attractive.

Treating Patients With Dental Crowns

After deciding on the type of crown, digital impressions are taken and the appliance is created in a lab, ensuring a custom fit. Our dentist may file down the existing tooth to make sure the crown fits perfectly over the tooth. The amount that needs to be shaved down depends on both the condition of the tooth and the size of the crown. If there is not much left of the existing tooth due to damage or decay, it may also need to be filled before dental crown treatment. Patients with tooth decay will need to be treated with root canal therapy before dental crown treatment.

A temporary crown will be placed until we receive your custom-made appliance. Our dentists use a local anesthetic to numb the area and cement the crown in place. Before you leave the office, we will make sure that you feel comfortable with the fit of your new dental device. The procedure should not be painful, but it might take a couple of days or so to get used to the feel of your new appliance.

Taking Care Of Your Dental Crown

With the proper care, your crown will last for years to come—even a lifetime! Preventative care such as properly brushing and flossing your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting us every 6 months for regular cleanings and monitoring is the best way to take care of your smile. If your crown chips or falls off completely, call us at (704) 376-2404.

Dental Crowns FAQs

They are used for various reasons, including protecting a weak tooth, covering a tooth with a large filling, restoring a broken or chipped tooth, improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth and as part of a dental bridge or dental implant.

The process usually takes two dental visits. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken and a temporary crown is placed. At the next visit, usually a couple of weeks later, Dr. Stewart places your permanent, custom-made crown.

You care for your dental crown just like you take care of your other teeth. You should brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash regularly. Visiting us for regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure the crown is in good condition.

Porcelain crowns are resistant to staining, but may become discolored over time. Proper oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings can help maintain their appearance.

Yes, they can provide both function and aesthetic benefits and can be used to improve the appearance of teeth with cosmetic imperfections, such as discoloration, misalignment or irregular shape.

Dental crowns