It’s the last week of National Humor Month! We started with a post about the importance of laughter. Next we discussed brightening pearly whites with professional whitening and veneers. But are there other ways to improve a smile? Of course! At Asheville Dental, we strive to be the most comprehensive cosmetic dentists in western North Carolina.
What Are Crowns?
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged, or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.
How Does It Happen?
The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves:
- Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it,
- Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown,
- Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes one to two weeks),
- Creating a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created,
- Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the temporary crown, and,
- Fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.
After ensuring that the crown has the proper look and fit, the dentist cements it into place. This process generally consists of a minimum of two to three visits over a three to four week period.
We also offer the CEREC one-appointment crown system, which allows us to shape the tooth, create an all-ceramic crown or onlay, and cement the restoration all in one visit. The type of crown used to restore your tooth is chosen by the doctor to best fit the specific needs presented by the condition of your tooth.
Our cosmetic dentistry services also include bridges and bonding. As always, we welcome you to take advantage of a free consultation. Seeing you with a happy confident smile is a priority for all of us at Asheville Dental.
“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” – Tom Wilson
