Custom Dental Crowns for Tooth Repair in Wheaton, IL

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer remarkable durability, often lasting 10-15 years or longer with proper care. They restore your bite strength to nearly its original power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods again without worry. Beyond function, crowns can dramatically improve your smile’s visual appeal by matching the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

The Common Uses for Dental Crowns

Crowns are a restorative dental procedure that works well for various situations. They protect weakened teeth from fracturing, restore teeth that have already broken, cover teeth with large fillings, anchor dental bridges, or complete dental implants. Sometimes we recommend a porcelain crown simply to improve the appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a dental crown can feel like a big step, but it’s a common and straightforward procedure designed with your comfort and care in mind. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible while ensuring you feel informed and supported every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect during the dental crown process.

Preparation and Assessment

Your dental crown procedure begins with a thorough examination and X-rays. We’ll numb the area and carefully reshape your tooth to make room for the crown. If significant decay or damage exists, we may need to build up the tooth’s core structure first.

Creation and Placement

We take detailed impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to ensure a perfect fit. While our lab crafts your permanent crown, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. The entire process typically requires two visits spaced about two weeks apart.

Final Fitting and Adjustments

During your second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of your new permanent crown. We’ll make any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing it in place.

Types of Dental Crowns We Offer

Choosing the right dental crown is a significant step in restoring your smile and protecting your teeth. We understand that every patient has unique needs, and we’re here to help you find the perfect solution. Below, we’ll explore the types of dental crowns we offer and how each option caters to different situations.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns provide the most natural appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. They resist staining and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. While slightly less durable than metal options, they offer excellent aesthetics for visible areas of your mouth.

Metal Crowns

Metal crown options include gold alloys, palladium, or base-metal alloys. These crowns rarely chip or break and withstand biting and chewing forces exceptionally well. They require less tooth structure removal and work best for back teeth, where appearance matters less.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM crowns combine metal’s strength with porcelain’s natural appearance. The metal provides durability, while the porcelain outer layer matches your tooth color. These crowns work well for both front and back teeth, though the metal may sometimes show through as a dark line near the gum.

Crown Replacement Services

Sometimes existing crowns need replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in your oral health. We evaluate your current crowns during regular check-ups and recommend crown replacement when necessary. Signs you might need a new crown include pain when biting, visible cracks, or a loose feeling.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Treat your crown like a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing. Avoid chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding your teeth at night. A nightguard can protect your crown if you grind your teeth during sleep. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your crown’s condition and catch any issues early.

How long do dental crowns last?

Most crowns last 10-15 years, though some can last much longer with excellent care and regular check-ups.

Is the crown placement procedure painful?

We use local anesthesia during the procedure, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

What type of crown is best for me?

The best crown depends on the tooth’s location, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. We’ll discuss all options during your consultation.

How do I care for my new dental crown?

Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Avoid hard foods and bad habits like teeth grinding.