Dental crowns in Charlotte are a popular solution for restoring broken or decayed teeth, protecting them from further damage while enhancing their function and appearance. Knowing your options is essential, as not all crowns are the same. This guide covers types, procedures, costs, and aftercare to help you make the best choice.
1. Types of Dental Crowns
Depending on the needs, aesthetic preferences, and financial constraints of the patient, each form of dental crown has unique benefits. The main categories of dental crowns are broken down as follows:
- Porcelain crowns closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, making them ideal for front tooth restorations. Although slightly more brittle than other materials, their aesthetic appeal is unmatched.
- Zirconia crowns are known for their strength and durability. They are metal-free, biocompatible, and resemble natural teeth, making them suitable for both front and back teeth restorations.
- Metal crowns, made from materials like nickel, chromium, palladium, or gold, are the most durable and require minimal enamel removal. They rarely chip or break and withstand chewing pressures well, though their metallic color makes them best for molars.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crowns blend the strength of metal with the look of porcelain, combining durability with a natural, tooth-like appearance.
- Resin crowns are an affordable option, but they wear down more quickly and are less durable than other types.
2. When are Dental Crowns needed?
Dental crowns are versatile restorations that can serve various purposes, helping to protect, strengthen, and improve the appearance of teeth. You may require a dental crown in the following cases:
- Reinforcing a Weak Tooth: If a tooth is weakened due to decay or other damage, a crown can reinforce it, preventing further breakage.
- Protecting and Supporting a Cracked Tooth: Crowns can cover and hold together parts of a cracked tooth, offering support and reducing the risk of worsening the damage.
- Restoring a Broken or Worn-Down Tooth: Teeth that have significant wear or are broken can regain their shape and function with the help of a crown.
- Securing a Dental Bridge: Crowns play a crucial role in holding a dental bridge firmly in place, which is essential for restoring multiple missing teeth.
- Concealing a Severely Stained or Discolored Tooth: A dental crown can cover a tooth with deep stains or discoloration, helping restore a uniform smile.
- Protecting a Root Canal-Treated Tooth: After a root canal, a crown often provides necessary protection, as these teeth are more vulnerable to fractures.
- Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns are commonly used to complete dental implants, giving them a natural appearance and fully functional surface.
3. Dental Crown in Charlotte Procedure Steps
There are several crucial measures to ensuring the effectiveness of dental crown installation. Here’s a condensed view of the crown restoration process:
- Examination & Checkup: The dentist examines the damaged tooth, typically taking X-rays to determine whether a crown is required.
- Tooth Preparation: The tooth is prepared by removing decay and molding it to match the crown, which usually takes less than an hour with anesthesia and digital scans.
- Crown Creation: A custom crown is created from a digital imprint, enabling for same-day insertion in many circumstances.
- Crown Placement: The crown is tightly attached to the tooth, ensuring long-term stability and functionality.
4. Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns
Temporary crowns lack a custom fit, so they may not look as refined as permanent ones and are designed for short-term use only. After initial prep, it’s crucial for patients to receive their custom permanent crown for a lasting solution.
- Temporary crowns are not custom-fitted, making them less polished and more prone to gaps than permanent crowns. Permanent crowns are crafted from a mold of the patient’s teeth, providing a precise fit that reduces the risk of decay around the edges.
- Temporary crowns use materials like acrylic or stainless steel, designed to last only until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are crafted from durable materials like porcelain or strong metals to handle everyday wear and tear.
- Aesthetics are secondary for temporary crowns, while permanent crowns are custom-designed to match the natural look of surrounding teeth, often using materials that reflect light more naturally.
5. Longevity of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns’ lifespan varies depending on the material chosen, your oral care practice, and how you use your teeth. Porcelain crowns are noted for their beauty and can last for 10-15 years with proper care. Zirconia crowns are considerably more robust and can survive for more than 15 years. Metal crowns, which are commonly composed of gold, are the most durable and can survive for 15-20 years or more. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are both strong and beautiful, and they often last 10-15 years. Resin crowns are less expensive, however they may only last 5–7 years.
6. Dental Crown Aftercare
Temporary crowns are more fragile, requiring extra care to prevent cracks or dislodging. Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after placement to allow the cement to set. Steer clear of chewy, hard, or sticky foods and try to chew on the opposite side of the mouth. Brush gently around the crown and avoid flossing directly around it. Temporary crowns are usually worn for a few weeks; if they break or fall out, contact your dentist for a replacement.
After a permanent crown is placed, avoid hard or sticky foods and gum for 24 hours while the cement sets. Normal brushing is fine, but floss gently in the early days. Mild soreness in the tooth and gums is common, so softer foods are recommended during the initial recovery period.
7. 5 Alternatives to Dental Crowns in Charlotte
7.1 Inlays & Onlays
Onlays are partial covers for teeth that provide protection similar to crowns but cover only part of the tooth’s surface or one to two cusps. A full onlay covers the entire top surface, while a partial onlay covers select cusps. Onlays require less tooth removal than crowns, reducing preparation risks and supporting healthier gums. Although crowns generally stay in place more securely, modern dental cements make onlays a durable option.
Inlays are appropriate for smaller regions of decay since they are made to fill in the spaces between the cusps rather than covering them. Additionally, they offer a more conservative course of therapy than dental crowns because they preserve more tooth structure.
7.2 Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are custom-made shells that are applied to the front surfaces of your teeth to successfully hide stains, chipping, cracks, and other cosmetic flaws. Veneers, which are thin shells that cover the front of teeth, can be used to improve cosmetic appearance instead of crowns. Veneers are less invasive and enhance the appearance of a smile, but they may not provide appropriate protection if the tooth is seriously damaged. Dentists usually recommend veneers for aesthetic reasons rather than structural strengthening.
7.3 Dental Fillings
While fillings can repair minor damage, they lack the strength and durability of crowns, making them unsuitable for heavily damaged teeth. Fillings are more likely to chip or wear down over time. In some cases, dentists may use fillings to stabilize a damaged tooth temporarily until it’s ready for a crown.
7.4 Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a tooth affected by severe decay or infection. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inner canals, and then fills and seals the area. However, the tooth may remain structurally weak due to extensive decay or damage. In such cases, a dental crown is often recommended afterward to reinforce and protect the tooth. Thus, while a root canal can avoid the need for extraction, it often leads to the need for a crown to restore the tooth’s appearance and function fully.
7.5 Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great alternative to dental crowns, especially when a tooth is lost or beyond repair. Implants are made up of a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as a substitute root. Once it has fused with the bone, a crown is placed, resulting in a natural-looking, completely functioning tooth replacement. Unlike crowns, which fix broken teeth, dental implants provide a long-lasting, aesthetically acceptable option for tooth loss.
8. Cost of Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC
Many dental facilities in and around Charlotte, North Carolina make it impossible to compare the cost of a dental crown for molars to that of a dental crown for smaller teeth, or to that of a root canal or double root canal. Call Premier Dental in Charlotte, NC at your leisure to get the most up-to-date pricing and understand the role insurance will play in your out-of-pocket expenses. Our courteous staff can explain prices and set up initial consultation sessions.
9. Best Materials for Dental Crowns
Selecting the right material for dental crowns is essential for a natural look and lasting durability. Common options include porcelain, zirconia, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, each offering unique benefits.
- Porcelain: Ideal for front teeth due to its natural appearance, though it may be less durable under heavy pressure.
- Zirconia: Known for strength and biocompatibility, making it suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Metal: Made from alloys like gold or nickel-chromium, metal crowns are highly durable but lack a natural look.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Combines strength with aesthetics, perfect for visible back teeth.
Choosing the right material depends on the crown’s location, function, and your aesthetic goals. Consult with your dentist for the best fit to restore your smile.
Dental crowns in Charlotte provide a diverse solution for restoring the function and look of damaged teeth. You can choose from porcelain, zirconia, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal to satisfy your specific needs. If you’re thinking about getting dental crowns in Charlotte for better oral health or aesthetics, contact Premier Dental now to set up a consultation and start your journey to a healthier, brighter smile!