Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration and others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If Dr. Butler notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.

Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a metal free porcelain crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth. 

The process of installing a crown USED TO takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. Dr. Butler has invested in the latest digital technology (CEREC) and can now fabricate your crown in the same visit in most cases. This saves you time and reduces the need for multiple visits.

A digital impression is taken of your tooth and the CEREC milling unit will custom make the porcelain crown for you in approximately 15 minutes. Then the crown can be processed in a special oven for 15-25 minutes. It is then ready to placed into your mouth. You leave with a custom made, fully functioning tooth that looks and feels beautiful!

Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You need care for your new crown as you would any of your other teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Call Dr. Butler today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.

PREVIOUS procedure for making a crown:

On the first visit the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel and removing any decay so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made so that it fits in the spot created for it and looks the same relative to the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. 

The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area and the tooth will be placed using a cement to ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back.