All About Dental Crowns

If you have been feeling embarrassed by your smile, or maybe eating and speaking are becoming more uncomfortable, there is no reason to wait any longer. At Sonrisas Dental Miami, we have many Cosmetic, Restorative, and Smile Design options to help you feel confident and comfortable again. One great option is Dental Crowns. Whether you have considered them before or not, crowns may be the best solution to fix your teeth. Here is all you need to know about Dental Crowns.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are protective caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, and function. They are commonly used for teeth that have experienced significant decay, fractures, or large fillings, or following root canal therapy. Crowns can also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.

The Process of Getting Dental Crowns

The process of getting a dental crown at our clinic generally involves the following steps:

• Evaluation. Dr. Waich will assess the need for a crown through an examination, which may include X-rays to check the health of the tooth and surrounding structures.
• Tooth Preparation. In the first appointment, Dr. Waich will numb the area, and then shape the tooth by filing it down to make room for the crown. For teeth with significant damage or decay, a filling material might be added to rebuild the tooth before shaping.
• Impressions. An impression of the shaped tooth, along with surrounding teeth, is taken to ensure the crown fits properly. This impression is typically sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is crafted to match your bite and natural tooth color.
• Temporary Crown Placement. While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth.

Same-Day Crowns

At Sonrisas, we offer Same-Day Crowns which can be very beneficial for patients who are in pain or who may not be able to set aside the time needed for the lengthy process.

The first step to getting same-day crowns is scheduling your appointment! If you book a morning slot, we can fit and place your custom crown on the same day. For afternoon appointments, you’ll return the following morning to complete the placement, allowing you to get back to your day with minimal disruption.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are an effective solution for a variety of dental concerns. Ideal candidates typically include those with:

• Severely Decayed or Damaged Teeth. When a tooth is beyond repair with a filling due to significant decay, a crown can restore its function and shape. Crowns are often recommended for teeth that are too weak to support a filling.
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth. Crowns protect teeth that are fractured or have large chips. This helps prevent further damage and restores the tooth’s strength.
• Post-Root Canal Therapy. Teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment are often fragile, and a crown is used to provide protection and prevent breaking.
• Cosmetic Enhancements. Those seeking to improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth may opt for crowns. Custom-designed crowns can offer a natural look while restoring the tooth’s function.
• Teeth with Large Fillings. Teeth that have large fillings and little remaining structure can benefit from crowns to prevent fracture.

Is There a Right Age for Dental Crowns?

Age is generally not a strict factor when it comes to being a candidate for dental crowns. However, age-related factors can influence the condition of a person’s teeth and the types of dental procedures they may require. For instance:

Younger Patients. While dental crowns are less common in children and young adults, they may be necessary if there’s significant damage from decay or trauma, or after a root canal treatment. For younger patients, crowns may also be used to protect baby teeth or for certain dental anomalies.

Older Adults. As people age, their teeth naturally undergo wear and tear. Older adults are more likely to need dental crowns due to factors like tooth decay, old fillings needing replacement, or cracks caused by the aging of enamel. Older patients are also more likely to undergo crowns after root canal treatments since the tooth structure may weaken over time.

Are Dental Crowns Right for You?

Only you and Dr. Waich can decide if Dental Crowns are the right treatment option for your situation. We encourage you to start with a consult with our experienced team at Sonrisas Dental Miami. Whether crowns are right or not – we can find the best treatment to give you a smile you can wear with confidence!