What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown covers and protects a damaged tooth, restoring it to its normal shape, size, and strength. Newburgh Family Dental recommends crowns when a tooth fractures beyond what a filling can fix. Fractured teeth benefit from crowns because the crown holds the tooth together and stops the damage from spreading. We also use crowns to protect weakened teeth and improve the appearance of badly shaped or discolored teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is multiple crowns bonded into one piece to replace a missing tooth/multiple missing teeth. Bridges are a bonded restoration, so they do not need to be taken out at night. Together, crowns and bridges can give you back a full, functional smile.
What Materials Do We Use?
Our preferred crown material is IPS E.max, a premium lithium disilicate ceramic known for its exceptional strength and natural appearance. E.max crowns are non-metal crowns that look and feel like real teeth, making them ideal for both front and back teeth. We also offer gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns when the situation calls for it. During your consultation, Dr. Perkins or Dr. Stratton will explain your options and recommend the best material for your specific tooth, bite, and lifestyle.
Same-Day Crowns with CEREC Technology
Our office uses CEREC technology to deliver your crown in a single two-hour appointment. First, we reduce the tooth slightly, so the crown restores your tooth to its original size. Then we mill your custom crown right here in our office. Most patients leave the same day with a finished crown — no temporary crown, no second visit.
Crowns vs. Veneers — What Is the Difference?
Crowns cover the entire tooth, while veneers only cover the front surface. Dentists typically recommend crowns for teeth with significant structural damage or to replace missing teeth. We can place crowns on natural teeth as well as dental implants. Veneers are primarily used on front teeth only. They can improve the color, shape and size of the front teeth.
Crown vs. Cap — Is There a Difference?
No. A cap and a crown are the same thing. Patients and dentists use both terms interchangeably.
How long do crowns last?
Most crowns last between 7 and 12 years. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, many crowns last much longer. However, certain habits can shorten their lifespan. Grinding your teeth, chewing ice, and biting your fingernails all put extra stress on your crowns. Highly acidic foods and drinks can cause decay underneath a crown.
How Do I Care for My Crown?
Taking care of your crown is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to protect it:
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects.
- Avoid highly acidic/sugary foods and drinks.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night.
- Brush twice daily and floss around the crown area.
- Use interdental brushes or floss picks to clean where the crown meets the gum.
Keeping that area clean prevents decay and gum disease from developing around your crown. Regular visits to our office will also help us monitor your crown and catch any issues early.
