For many people who experience problems with one of their teeth, such as a fracture or break in its structure, a custom-designed dental crown is the ideal option for restoring it. Dental crowns are designed to mimic healthy, natural tooth crowns, down to the specific size, shape, contour, and dimensions of the tooth’s crown. Placing a custom crown over the damaged tooth will stop it from becoming more damaged, restore the tooth’s ability to function, and in many cases, improve the tooth’s natural appearance.

1. The specific problem with your tooth

Before receiving a dental crown, it’s important to consider the specific nature of the problem with your tooth’s structure. For example, damage such as a fracture or break in the tooth’s natural crown can be restored by capping the tooth. However, if the tooth is afflicted with tooth decay, which is an infection in the tooth’s structure, then it will have to be treated before a dental crown or other restoration can be placed on the tooth.

2. The state and appearance of your other teeth

Many modern dental crowns are designed to not only restore the strength and integrity of damaged teeth, but also closely replicate the tooth’s healthy, natural appearance. Dental crowns made from highly lifelike and durable porcelain and similar materials can be customized to replicate the tooth’s unique, healthy color, shade, and shine. Yet, once the dental crown is placed, its appearance can’t be changed. If you have one or more other teeth that need cosmetic improvement, such as teeth-whitening, then it may be best to treat them first, then customize your dental crown to match.

3. The type of crown that will work best

Not all dental crowns are the same, and today, you have more options for restoring your tooth in a more precise and minimally invasive manner. For instance, your tooth may be damaged in a way that requires a dental restoration, but doesn’t need a full dental crown to completely cap your tooth. Many people can benefit from partial dental crowns, or inlays/onlays, that can restore the part of their tooth that’s damaged without having to modify and cap the tooth’s entire crown structure.

4. The time it takes to receive your dental crown

Even with advanced, realistic looking and highly durable materials, the process of designing and placing a dental crown can still sometimes take weeks to complete. That’s because traditional dental crowns must be crafted off-site at a trusted dental laboratory according to the highly precise measurements and mold of your tooth. However, with advanced, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, we can often design, create, and place lifelike dental crowns during just a single visit.

Learn more about restoring your smile with a crown

A dental crown can be an excellent way of restoring and preserving your tooth, but there may be a few things you should consider about your smile before you receive one. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600.