Dental Crown and Bridge

Need crowns from your Phoenix, AZ, dentist?

Dentistry is a work of art and dental crowns are a perfect example. A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a cover that fits over teeth to provide reinforcement and hide unappealing teeth. Dental crowns are also used to support other dental appliances, like bridgework.

More About Crowns

Unlike veneers, crowns completely cover a tooth above the gum line and hides damaged, decayed, or unattractive teeth and doesn’t need a natural tooth structure to support it.

Crowns are made of several materials: porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and all-porcelain crowns with zirconia.

The advantages of crowns are that they:

  • Strengthen damaged teeth
  • Improves chewing and bite functions
  • Crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth

The Process of Crowning

The capping process takes two to three visits:

  • Your tooth is prepared during the first visit to receive its new crown.
  • Your Phoenix dentist treats any decays before the procedure.
  • Then they shape your tooth so it fits under the cap.
  • If your tooth needs to be built up first, your dentist will build it up with filling material.
  • Impressions of your teeth are taken, digitally or with a putty-like material, then sent to a dental laboratory to make models of your teeth.
  • A technician creates the crown using the model to improve your smile and function.
  • Before getting your permanent crown, your dentist will give you a temporary crown in the meantime.
  • Your permanent crown is attached to your tooth using resin or cement.

Caring for Your Crowns

  1. Use a nightguard if you have a clenching and tooth-grinding problem.
  2. Brush your teeth and floss to reduce dental-plaque buildup.
  3. Drink plenty of water to get rid of food debris.
  4. Use fluoride-containing products to protect teeth against tooth decay.

If you have any questions about crowns, call your Phoenix, AZ dentist today!