Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry strives to revolutionize dental health for your family. We pride ourselves in having an experienced dental team that utilizes advanced technology to improve your smile and restore your oral health. Dental crowns are a large part of what we do to maintain your oral health.
Crowns are more than just a cosmetic service—they rid your tooth of infection and protect the tooth for years to come. Whether you have a missing tooth or an infection, dental crowns are a great addition to your smile.
Restore Your Tooth Without the Hassle
If you have a damaged, cracked, chipped, weakened, or severely worn down tooth, you may need a dental crown to restore your tooth to its natural shape, appearance, and function.
Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged teeth to protect, strengthen, and improve your tooth’s overall appearance and alignment.
Once applied, a crown fully encases the entire visible part of your tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Protecting the tooth underneath and allowing you to live your life as usual. Crowns are also used with a dental implant and are placed on top of the abutment to give you a fully functioning replacement tooth.
At Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental crowns in Independence. Our dentist, Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, has extensive dental experience ranging from the simplest of general dentistry procedures to complex smile makeovers involving dental crowns.
If your tooth has been damaged, lost, infected, or you have a severe discoloration that detracts from your radiant smile, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional dental team.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns vary based on the type of material used to make them. Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, will recommend the best dental crown suitable for your individual restorative or cosmetic dental needs and wants. Some of the dental crowns we offer at Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry include:
Porcelain Crowns
This type of dental crown is a popular choice since they closely match the color and appearance of your natural teeth than any other crown type. This makes them ideal for restoring front teeth since they are natural-looking and are incredibly durable and long lasting.
Porcelain crowns are commonly recommended for patients who are allergic to metal. The porcelain material is extremely compatible with gums so no irritation is caused. They can resist wear well but can cause an issue with rough opposing teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Like porcelain crowns, ceramic dental crowns blend perfectly with the natural color of your tooth. They are made of a porcelain-based material or another type of ceramic and have heightened resistance to temperature changes.
This means ceramic crowns can significantly mitigate the temperature sensitivity you might otherwise experience. While ceramic crowns are tough and long-lasting, they may not be the best option if you’re a teeth-grinder, as they’re susceptible to cracking or chipping under pressure.
Zirconia Crowns
One of the most significant advantages of zirconia crowns is their strength and durability. They are made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable type of metal related to titanium, making them ideal for use in molars.
Despite their strong structure, zirconium crowns can be easily sized, shaped, and colored to match your natural teeth. They produce a great, natural look and don’t come with uncomfortable side effects.
Metal Crowns
They are made from various metals, including platinum and gold or base-metal alloys like cobalt-chromium alloys. Metal crowns are incredibly durable, can withstand pressure from constant chewing and biting, and are highly resistant to chipping or breakage. The biggest downside to metal crowns is their color; that’s why they’re ideal for out-of-sight molars.
Combination Crowns
A combination crown is made from more than one material, typically porcelain fused to metal. The combination gives the crown the double advantage of being more durable than its ceramic peers while maintaining a natural appearance.
No matter what material or type of crown you pick, the crown will be customized to your mouth and teeth so that it is specific for you and your needs. The shaping and expertise of the dentist will make sure that the crown feels comfortable in your mouth. Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will help you pick the type of crown that is right for you.
Benefits of a Dental Crown
Many people believe that dental crowns are only used for restorative reasons and that they are an eyesore. This is not the case with Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, on the contrary, our dental crowns are part of cosmetic dentistry because they solve the problem of cracks, chips, and missing teeth, giving you a restored smile. There are many perks to choosing dental crowns:
- They strengthen your teeth: Crowns cover your tooth entirely, strengthening a weak tooth that may be damaged and protecting it from decay. Before a crown is placed the tooth will be completely clean giving you not only protection from new bacteria but removing the plaque that was currently there.
- They improve your smile: A dental crown can cover several teeth imperfections, including discolored and chipped teeth. They can be made to match the rest of your teeth, resulting in the most natural-looking smile.
- They restore a tooth to its original size and shape: Chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth can affect your bite. Dental crowns can restore function to your tooth, allowing you to speak and chew without an issue.
- They stay in their place: Unlike dentures which can potentially move or shift around, crowns are permanently placed over your tooth.
- They boost your self-confidence: You will essentially have a brand new tooth with a dental crown which will allow you to go back to your usual activities. Smile, talk, and eat with confidence knowing that your crown has you covered.
What Kinds of Conditions Are Treated with Crowns?
At Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use dental crowns as a restorative dental option to treat a variety of oral health issues that come with numerous cosmetic benefits. Some reasons to use dental crowns include:
- Protect a tooth post-root canal.
- Cover a damaged or decayed tooth.
- Cover and strengthen a filled tooth.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Protect a weak tooth.
- Improve a discolored or misshapen tooth.
- Hold a cracked tooth together.
- Cap a dental implant.
- Replace a missing tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns can last between 5–15 years, but sturdier crowns may last longer with proper care. While a crowned tooth doesn’t require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned doesn’t mean the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. So practice good oral hygiene habits, schedule regular dental visits, and avoid subjecting your crowned teeth to things like:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Using your teeth to open packaging.
- Chewing ice.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The costs of dental crowns can vary depending on the type of crown you choose. For example, porcelain crowns are typically more expensive than metal crowns. Generally, dental insurance may cover all or a portion of the cost of your dental crown, so be sure to check with your insurance company to get coverage details.
Our helpful staff at Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can also answer any questions about your insurance coverage. Additionally, at your consultation our dental team will be able to give you a more realistic estimate of the treatment because they will have evaluated your current state, your goals, which crown, and whether you have dental insurance.
Restore Your Smile at Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry!
Crowns are an excellent restorative option for decayed, weak, damaged, and missing teeth and can help you enjoy a more beautiful, natural-looking smile. With the help of our talented dental team and advanced technology, we will help you reach your smile goals and protect your oral health.
If you’re looking for a patient-focused dentist in Independence, contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment and let us improve your smile. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT