Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns
Have you ever bitten down and felt an unexpected twinge of pain? Or maybe you’ve noticed a tooth that doesn’t look or feel as strong as it used to. When a tooth is damaged, weakened, or worn down, a dental crown can restore its strength, protect it from further harm, and keep your smile looking great.
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins in Denton, MD, we believe dental care should be as stress free as possible. If a dentist has told you that you need a crown or are just curious about how they work, we’re here to break it down in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Think of a dental crown like a customized cap for your tooth. A crown completely covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its function and appearance. Dentists use crowns for a variety of reasons, including:
- Strengthening teeth with large fillings or deep decay
- Repairing cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth
- Protecting a tooth after a root canal
- Improving the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Serving as the final restoration for a dental implant
Crowns don’t just restore function—they also blend beautifully with your natural teeth so you can chew, smile, and speak with confidence.
What Are Crowns Made Of?
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we offer all-ceramic crowns, which are among the most advanced options available in restorative dentistry. We use a dense, tooth-colored core with bonded porcelain to craft crowns that blend with your natural teeth. Unlike older metal-based crowns, all-ceramic crowns mimic how natural enamel reflects light, making them virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.
Because each crown is custom made, we carefully match the shape and color to fit your smile perfectly. Whether you need a crown for strength, function, or aesthetics, these high-quality materials ensure a durable and natural-looking result.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. Like natural teeth, crowns require good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to stay in great shape.
Here’s how to help your crown last as long as possible:
- Brush and floss daily to keep the area around the crown clean
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could put extra stress on the crown
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Schedule regular dental checkups so we can monitor your crown and overall oral health
What Happens During the Crown Procedure?
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we offer traditional and same-day CEREC crowns to restore your tooth quickly and effectively.
- Same-Day Crowns with CEREC: Want to skip the temporary crown and second appointment? With our advanced CEREC technology, we can design, craft, and place your custom crown all in one visit so you leave with a fully restored tooth the same day. After taking digital impressions, we craft your porcelain crown right in our office and bond it to your tooth before you leave.
- Traditional Crowns: If you opt for a lab-created crown, the process takes two visits. During the first, we prepare the tooth and take impressions, then place a temporary crown while your final one is custom-made. On the second visit, we cement the permanent crown into place for a strong, natural-looking restoration.
Whether you choose a same-day CEREC crown or a traditional lab-made crown, our goal is to ensure a seamless fit and a comfortable experience.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a crown can restore its strength, function, and appearance before bigger issues develop. And with CEREC same-day crowns, you can get it all done in just one visit!
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins in Denton, MD, we’re here to make the process easy and comfortable. If you’re wondering whether a dental crown is right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation—we’d love to help you smile with confidence again!
