At Capitol Lake Dentistry, dental crowns are custom-made restorations designed to encase a tooth that is damaged, weakened, fractured, or significantly decayed. They effectively restore the tooth's shape, size, strength and improve its appearance. Think of a crown as a durable, precisely fitted "cap" that returns your tooth to its optimal function and aesthetics. Crowns can also be used to cover dental implants, protect a tooth after a root canal, or address severely discolored or misshapen teeth.
The Dental Crown Treatment Process
Receiving your dental crown will involve several key steps, starting with a thorough examination and preparation of the tooth. Once the tooth is reshaped to properly accommodate the crown, we take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions serve as a blueprint for the lab fabrication of your custom crown.
We partner with highly skilled dental laboratories that utilize advanced technology and materials to craft your dental restoration. The lab technicians meticulously create your crown based on our specifications, ensuring a perfect fit, proper bite alignment, and a natural appearance that complements your smile. The fabrication process typically takes a couple of weeks, during which time you may receive a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
Top Dental Crown Materials at Capitol Lake Dentistry
Our team offers a variety of high-quality crown materials to meet your individual needs and preferences, including:
All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are crafted entirely from porcelain material. Their primary advantage lies in their exceptional aesthetics. Porcelain beautifully mimics the natural translucency and luster of your own teeth, making them an ideal choice for restoring front teeth where a seamless and natural appearance is paramount. While strong, they may not be the most suitable option for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
All-Ceramic Crowns: Similar to all-porcelain crowns, all-ceramic options are also metal-free and offer excellent aesthetics. Ceramic dental crowns provide a natural look and optimal strength, making them a versatile choice for both front and back teeth.
BruxZir Crowns: BruxZir is a specific type of solid zirconia crown known for its outstanding strength and durability. It is designed to withstand significant biting forces and is highly resistant to chipping and fracturing. While perhaps not as translucent as all-porcelain or some all-ceramic options, BruxZir offers excellent longevity, especially for molars and for our patients who have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth (bruxism). Its strength makes it a reliable choice for areas of high stress.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a very strong ceramic material that offers a good balance of strength and aesthetics. It is more opaque than porcelain but can still be shaded to match your natural teeth effectively. Zirconia crowns are highly durable and biocompatible, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth. The specific type of zirconia used can vary, influencing the final translucency and strength of the crown.
Repair Your Smile with Dental Crowns in Olympia
Your smile restoration with dental crowns will begin with a restorative dental consultation. Dr. Evans will thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of each crown material with you, to help you determine the best one for your smile.
Our goal is to provide you with a dental crown that not only restores the function of your tooth but also enhances your smile for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your consult and learn more about restoring your smile with a new dental crown!
