Porcelain Crowns
What Are Metal-Free Dental Crowns?
If your teeth show cracks, have a root canal, or have a large amount of decay weakening natural tooth structure, Dr. Wimmergren may suggest a crown. The technology and materials used to create a crown have come a long way. At River’s Bend Family Dental, we feature metal-less crowns. This is not your grandpa’s crown, which may have been made of gold, platinum, palladium, cobalt, chromium, or even nickel.
Today’s crowns we use are made from Zirconia and porcelain substrates. These are glass-like materials that are white and transparent. Transparency is important because it allows light to pass through, giving a more natural and lifelike look. If the word Zirconia sounds familiar, you may have heard of fake diamonds called Cubic Zirconia. The white color is important because it prevents the gray discoloration of gum tissue that occurs with old metal-fused crowns.
- Large filling or cavity in the tooth
- Cracks on the tooth surface
- Pieces of the tooth broken off and fractured
- The tooth has had a root canal
If you are dealing with decay, fractures, or cracked teeth and you’re looking for a natural solution, metal-free crowns could be a great option for you. We want to provide you with the best care and support you need. Let us know if you have any questions by simply contacting us here. One of our knowledgeable team members will be more than happy to see if metal-free crowns are right for you.
River’s Bend Family Dental provides a wide range of dental procedures to make it convenient for your family to tend to all its dental needs.
Why Get a Dental Crown
There are a few reasons Dr. Wimmergren may suggest a metal-free crown for you. But generally, two primary cases come up.
1) Functional Benefits
Cracked after large older fillings, stressed after root canals or broken teeth cover the range for functional reasons to need a crown. The crown’s hard outer shell protects the softer tooth underneath.
2) Aesthetic Benefits
Mildly crooked teeth, small gaps, and discolored teeth can be improved with crowns for a more natural appearance. With a skilled ceramist and lab, your new porcelain crowns can achieve lifelike results that would be indiscernible to your closest friends.
When you tell someone that you just got a new crown or smile and they say they didn’t notice or that it looks natural, it’s the biggest compliment a dentist can receive. Our aim is to always give you a result you will be happy with. If you’d like to understand more about why you may need to get a dental crown, please feel free to contact our wonderful staff, who will help you understand if a crown is right for you.
The Process
To determine if you need a crown, we first take an X-ray to assess the extent of the damage or underlying issues. If the tooth and gums are in stable condition, the dentist will remove any areas of decay or compromised old fillings. At this time the dentist will also reshape the tooth to be able to receive the new crown. The reshaping of the tooth is critical to allow enough thickness and strength for the porcelain or Zirconia crown.
After reshaping and drying the surrounding tissue, Dr. Wimmergren will take a digital impression of the tooth using a camera or a traditional impression using impression material. This 3D image of the tooth will be sent to the lab to begin creating your custom crown.
In the meantime, while you wait for your custom crown to be made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth. Once your crown is completed and back from the lab, a follow-up appointment is scheduled. At this follow-up appointment, we remove the temporary crown and try the permanent one. With your final approval for fit, color, and shape, the crown is cemented in place, and the procedure is complete. It’s time for you to enjoy your beautiful new crown!
Benefits of Metal-Free Dental Crowns
- Long Lasting – Crowns are like protective shields; with a good seal and proper maintenance, you can expect a crown to last for many years.
- Life-Like Appearance And Feel – Because of the translucency of metal-free crowns, they resemble natural teeth the best.
- Cost – A metal-free crown, compared to veneers, generally costs less.
- Less Sensitivity – Crowns’ sealing and insulating properties keep the tooth’s nerve more comfortable and cozy.
Dental Crown Aftercare
After getting a crown procedure, your gums and teeth may be more sensitive. It’s best to avoid hot and cold temperatures around the area where the work was done. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever for relief. Remember to brush and floss around the crown to prevent decay or plaque buildup. Avoid biting popcorn kernels or chewing ice to prevent chipping, fracturing, or cracking of the new crown. It’s still good to use common sense and caution, even with a new crown.
Treat your new crown(s) as you would a natural tooth. Maintain them with good dental hygiene practices with twice a day brushing and flossing. And don’t forget your six-month cleanings and exams to catch anything that may be developing. By keeping your new crowns in impeccable shape, they will surely stick around for years to come and give you many satisfying smiles and enjoyable meals.
Family Dentistry
Associated Costs
Every person’s situation and specific insurance plan is unique. And with most dental procedures, what and how much a procedure will be covered is ultimately determined by your specific policy and plan. Most insurance plans cover dental crowns. Just beware, some plans do have a waiting period before allowing you to have this procedure covered. If you do not currently have dental insurance coverage or have questions about payment options, always feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff. They are always happy to discuss possible options with you.