Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. They are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, cracked or partially destroyed by tooth decay. Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength to hold a filling. Unlike fillings, which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab or in office from your unique tooth scan which allows a dental laboratory technician or expanded functions dental assistant to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.
Crowns and veneers are used to achieve optimal esthetic outcomes. They can be effectively used to correct teeth that are discolored, misshapen, worn, or even misaligned. Veneers require less tooth reduction than crowns, but each can provide the same level of esthetics. The deciding factor on which option is best to achieve your smile makeover is determined by the overall health of the teeth to be addressed.
Achieving a successful smile makeover begins with careful planning. Impressions are made from the teeth to be treated and models are then built with idealized shapes and positions for teeth. The actual teeth are then shaped to allow for crown or veneer placement, and temporary crowns/veneers are cemented into place according to he pre-planned models. Finally, permanent crowns/veneers are fabricated and cemented into place resulting in your beautiful new smile!
Crowns are often used to correct functional issues as well. When teeth fracture, crack, or have large failing fillings, or extreme tooth wear, crowns are the option of choice for restoring the tooth back to like-natural function. While they also provide beautiful esthetics, crowns are used frequently to save severely damaged teeth.
"I have had a LOT of dentists in my life (I've moved a zillion times) but the folks at Erskine Family are THE BEST I've EVER had by far. I just had two fillings redone in spots that have previously been very painful and problematic for other dentists to deal with. At Erskine, it could not have been a better experience, and the resin fillings look beautiful. They are so skilled, nice, helpful, and organized. Thank you all,"
