Dental Crowns in Buffalo, NY
Restore your smile with affordable dental crowns from Todd Shatkin DDS at Aesthetic Associates Centre. Schedule your free consultation today. Serving Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the U.S., and international patients.
Dental crowns are one of the most common procedures performed in dental offices today. They are restorative dental prosthetics that can help restore damaged teeth and provide additional stability to weak teeth. They are used in connection with a variety of different procedures and dental restorations, including root canals and partial dentures. They provide a strong, permanent solution to many dental problems.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over and bonded to a damaged tooth, completely covering the natural tooth’s surface area.
It is designed to restore shape and stability to the tooth while providing a look similar to a natural tooth. Dental crowns vary in composition and come in four main varieties.
Ceramic dental crowns are most commonly used on the front teeth because they blend and match best with the natural teeth, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Porcelain-fused metal dental crowns are very similar to ceramic, but the metal base provides a stronger option with more stability.
Gold alloy dental crowns are a mix of metals and are much more durable, with no risk of fracture or wear. You and your dentist may opt for this on a back molar that is not seen when you smile but is most prone to wear. Base metal alloys are, again, a strong and durable metal option most used for back teeth.
Why Would I Need Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are used for a variety of restorative reasons. They can protect weak teeth, restore the natural shape of broken teeth, help prevent cracked teeth from additional damage, support teeth with large fillings, and increase the stability of anchor teeth for people needing partial dentures.
Dental crowns are also used as anchors for dental implanted teeth, to stabilize supporting teeth for a bridge, and to cap teeth after root canal therapy. For those looking for a purely cosmetic solution to tooth discoloration or uneven tooth shape, dental crowns can also improve their smile.
What Should I Expect When Getting Dental Crowns?
A dental crown procedure typically takes two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth for the crown. This can include removing decay, removing part of the tooth, or, if the tooth is weak, building up the core of the tooth, often with a metal post.
Your dentist will then make a mold of the tooth and surrounding teeth that is sent off to a dental lab that will make the crown. At this point, your dentist will put a temporary crown in place until the permanent crown is ready.
For the second appointment, you will return for the permanent crown. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and put the permanent crown in place. He will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to the crown before bonding it in place.
How Do I Care For My Dental Crown?
Caring for a crown is, for the most part, similar to caring for your natural teeth, with some considerations. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove plaque and buildup from your teeth and keep your gums healthy, providing an environment that will maintain the life of the crown.
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the crown for any signs of chips or cracks or signs that the bonding is coming loose. If he finds these problems, he can address them before they cause greater damage. With ceramic and porcelain dental crowns, you must use care to avoid cracks and chips.
Try and avoid hard candies and other food, such as ice cubes, as these can damage the crown. Regular checkups will monitor any extreme wear occurring with the crown and make adjustments as necessary. While minor cracks or breaks can be fixed, larger damage can require the removal of the crown and the need for a replacement.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Todd Shatkin, DDS, Today!
Explore the benefits of dental crowns for both restorative and cosmetic purposes with Todd Shatkin DDS. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and receive a personalized treatment plan. Proudly serving Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the U.S., and international patients.