Crowns aren’t just for royals; you can get one too! Yes, you can get one, too, but on your tooth. You are here because your dentist might have recently suggested you get a crown. Have you ever wondered what they are? You are at the right place because we have got you covered. Let’s understand before and after the process of getting a crown.
Understanding Dental Crowns: What do Crowns Look Like on Your Teeth?
Dental crowns, commonly known as caps, are long-lasting dental prostheses that look exactly like your tooth in shape and color. They are fixed into your mouth by going on the top of your natural tooth and covering it entirely. If your natural tooth is absent, a dental implant will be considered an alternative to restore your beautiful smile.
Before Getting a Dental Crown | Understand the Need
Therapeutic Reason:
If you have a broken tooth due to decay or trauma your dentist will advise you to get it filled or in advanced cases a root canal treatment. These are common tooth issues that make your teeth weak, increasing the need for support otherwise they will be smashed in pieces.
Aesthetic Reason:
Dental crowns are used routinely in cosmetic dentistry to enhance your natural smile. They conceal imperfections like worn teeth, dark teeth, tooth decay, fractured teeth, and uneven smiles. Usually, it’s given in the upper teeth to enhance the appearance of teeth for a smile makeover. Porcelain veneers are also considered when only aesthetics is concerned, as they remove less tooth structure for placement when compared to the crowns.
Before Getting a Dental Crown | Consider the Available Options
If you are considering getting a crown, it’s important to know the options available. They can either be permanent or temporary.
Temporary crowns
They are not a definitive treatment and are only placed for two or three weeks before placing permanent crowns.
Permanent crowns: What do Crowns Look Like?
They are fixed into your mouth. There are many types available in the market these days. Among them, the common ones are metal, porcelain, metal fused to porcelain, and all ceramic crowns.
Your dentist will present you with all the best treatment options. Choosing one type is a person’s preference. The most aesthetic crown is the ceramic crown, and the most commonly used is the porcelain crown.
Before getting a Dental Crown | Understand the Process
Before you proceed to make a decision, it’s crucial that you understand that they cannot be placed in a single day and the process takes an intended amount of time.
- Preparing the tooth: Since the crown is placed on a natural tooth, your tooth structure must be reduced to accommodate the crown. The first step is to prepare the tooth according to the type of the crown being used. It is usually done in a single visit.
- Recording Impressions and Shade: Right after the preparation, your dentist will record the shade of your teeth and then take impressions of the prepared tooth and opposing teeth.
- Custom crown fabrication: The impressions and the stage recordings will be sent to the laboratory. It will take some time, and a temporary crown will be placed.
- Final crown placement: Once your crown is ready, you will be called for an appointment. The temporary crown will then be removed, and the permanent one will be inserted.
After getting Dental Crown | How Dental Crowns Work Their Magic
- Natural Appearance: Dental crowns are tooth-colored and closely resemble the structure of natural teeth. They are usually placed on upper teeth, canine to canine, covering lateral and central incisors. When placed on compromised teeth, they restore the appearance of damaged and discolored teeth while giving patients a confident smile.
- Function: Crowns are used in restorative dentistry due to their strength. They provide support to weak and damaged teeth, especially after root canal therapy, to resist damage by biting, preventing further damage.
- Boosted Confidence: A beautiful and healthy smile boosts self-confidence by fulfilling the dream of a Hollywood smile.
After Getting a Dental Crown | Tips for Beautiful Smile Success
- During the first 24 hours, avoid chewing on that side, as the dental materials placed for crowns and dental bonding may not be fully set.
- Try to floss and brush every day around the crown to practice good oral hygiene measures.
- Avoid eating sticky and hard foods.
- To maintain your youthful appearance, visit your dentist regularly
- If you have a habit of teeth grinding or jaw dysfunction inform your dentist about it.
Dental Crowns Before and After Photos | Real Patient Stories
Conclusion | Embark on the Journey Toward Your Beautiful Smile
In conclusion, dental crowns are a reliable and aesthetic solution to restore your smile. This blog covers the before and after care of getting a dental crown. You can understand and decide about your healthy, beautiful smile by exploring the available materials, procedures, and care.
Some Commonly Asked Questions: Crowns Before and After
Are porcelain crowns noticeable?
The answer is NO. A porcelain crown closely resembles your permanent tooth. As they are placed just below the gum tissue, they blend seamlessly. They are fabricated by following the actual tooth contours and colors, which make them look the same as their surrounding teeth. Check out our website to see before and after results.
Are crowns painful?
No, crowns are not painful. They can cause a mild discomfort and sensitivity for some days after placement which subsides eventually. If it persists for longer and causes pain, then visit your dentist.
Can you eat with front teeth crowns?
Yes, you can eat with your front teeth crowns. It is advisable to avoid biting hard stuff like apples or candy from the front teeth.
How long can a crown last?
Some crowns can last your lifetime. Porcelain crowns are known to last for as long as 15 years. The metal one can stay up to 25 years or your lifetime.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Tooth crowns cost from around $800 to $3000. The exact cost depends upon the material, the type of the crown, place from where you are getting it, and the experience level of your dentist.
Here at Tamborello Dental Associates in Houston, TX, we are passionate about exceptional dental work. Our years of experience ensure that each patient receives the best care that is customized to their unique needs and desires!
Types of Dental Crowns
🦷 1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Description: A metal base covered with porcelain to match tooth color.
- ✅ Pros:
- Durable and strong
- Natural-looking appearance
- Good for front or back teeth
- ❌ Cons:
- Can show a dark metal line at the gumline
- Porcelain can chip over time
- 📍 Best for: Molars and premolars needing both strength and esthetics: Permanent Dental Crown
🦷 2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
Description: Made entirely from porcelain or ceramic, offering the best natural color match.
- ✅ Pros:
- Most esthetic crown type
- No metal—great for patients with metal allergies
- ❌ Cons:
- Less durable than PFM or metal crowns
- May wear opposing teeth more
- 📍 Best for: Front teeth or patients with metal sensitivities: Damaged Tooth
🦷 3. Zirconia Crowns
Description: Made from zirconium oxide, a strong type of ceramic.
- ✅ Pros:
- Extremely strong and fracture-resistant
- Can be monolithic (solid) or layered for better esthetics
- Biocompatible and metal-free
- ❌ Cons:
- Can be more opaque than porcelain
- Difficult to adjust once cemented
- 📍 Best for: Molars, bruxers (teeth grinders), or full-mouth reconstructions
🦷 4. E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
Description: A premium all-ceramic crown known for strength and esthetics.
- ✅ Pros:
- Excellent esthetics—translucent and natural-looking
- Stronger than regular ceramic, resin crown
- ❌ Cons:
- More expensive than other ceramic options
- Not ideal for patients with heavy bite force
- 📍 Best for: Anterior teeth, especially cosmetic cases
🦷 5. Metal Crowns (Gold or Other Alloys)
Description: Made entirely of metal—usually gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium.
- ✅ Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Requires less tooth removal
- Rarely chips or breaks
- ❌ Cons:
- Metallic appearance—unesthetic for visible teeth
- 📍 Best for: Back molars or patients with strong bite forces
🦷 6. Stainless Steel Crowns
Description: Pre-fabricated crowns typically used for children.
- ✅ Pros:
- Cost-effective and quick
- Good for temporary use or primary teeth
- ❌ Cons:
- Not esthetic
- Not for long-term adult use
- 📍 Best for: Pediatric dentistry or temporary dental crowns
Schedule a Consultation in Houston Texas
See what we offer if you’ve ever considered improving your oral health. Schedule a consultation and experience the warmth, professionalism, and transformative power of your smile with us. Your journey to a brighter, more confident day begins with a single step. Let’s take it together!
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