Dental Crowns
Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns in Chula Vista, CA
If you have a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically imperfect tooth, dental crowns could be the solution you’ve been looking for. These tooth restorations not only protect your teeth but also restore their natural appearance and functionality. At Smile Expert, our Chula Vista dentist, Dr. Nick Addario specializes in creating custom dental crowns that seamlessly blend with your smile. Serving patients in Chula Vista and nearby areas like Bonita and Eastlake, Dr. Addario ensures high-quality, compassionate care for all your dental needs.
Ready to restore your smile and protect your teeth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Addario at Smile Expert by calling (619) 656-1788.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective caps designed to cover and restore the structure of damaged or weakened teeth. Made from durable and aesthetic materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, crowns are custom-made to fit perfectly over your existing tooth.
This restorative dentistry option serves several purposes, including:
-
Protection: Shields fragile teeth from further damage or breakage.
-
Restoration: Restores the size, shape, and function of a tooth that’s been compromised.
-
Cosmetic Enhancement: Covers imperfections like discoloration or misshapen teeth.
Dental crowns are versatile and can also be used as part of larger restorative procedures, such as securing a dental bridge or capping a dental implant.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from various materials, each offering unique benefits. The right material for your crown depends on factors like the location of the tooth, your cosmetic preferences, and your budget. Here are the most common types of dental crowns:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are made of a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They’re biocompatible and produce a natural, lifelike appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made of gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They’re extremely durable, can withstand heavy biting forces and last a long time. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns are made by fusing a metal base with a porcelain coating, providing the strength of the metal and the aesthetics of the porcelain. They can be used for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of a durable, biocompatible material resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are an ideal option for back teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit. This is in contrast to traditional dental crowns, which typically require multiple appointments and temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown might be the right choice if you have:
-
A severely decayed tooth: When a regular dental filling won’t suffice.
-
A broken or cracked tooth: To prevent further damage.
-
A root canal-treated tooth: To strengthen the tooth after the procedure.
-
Discolored or misshapen teeth: For cosmetic improvements.
-
Missing teeth: As part of a dental bridge or implant restoration.
Crowns not only restore functionality but also boost your confidence by giving you a natural-looking smile.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns come in different materials, each with its own benefits:
-
Porcelain or Ceramic: Perfect for a natural look and ideal for front teeth.
-
Metal: Highly durable, often used for molars.
-
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines strength and aesthetics.
-
Zirconia: Strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
-
Resin: A more affordable option, though less durable.
Dr. Addario can guide you in choosing the best material based on your dental needs and lifestyle.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer multiple benefits, including:
-
Restoring the strength and function of your tooth.
-
Improving your smile’s appearance.
-
Protecting damaged teeth from further harm.
-
Enhancing comfort and chewing ability.
Dr. Addario ensures your crown looks and feels natural, blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Smile Expert
Getting a dental crown is a simple, multi-step process designed to restore your tooth’s appearance and function. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and Exam
Dr. Addario will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and determine if a crown is the right option. He will discuss the best crown material for your needs.
Tooth Preparation
Your tooth will be reshaped by removing any damaged or decayed areas to make room for the crown. In some cases, a filling may be added to strengthen the tooth.
Impressions
Impressions of your tooth will be taken, either with traditional molds or digital scans, to create a custom crown that fits perfectly.
Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made in the dental laboratory, Dr. Addario will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and keep it functional.
Crown Placement
Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return to the office to remove the temporary restoration and have the crown placed. Dr. Addario will ensure a perfect fit, making any necessary adjustments for comfort and bite alignment before securely bonding it to your tooth.
With the new crown in place, your tooth is restored to its full strength and appearance.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-15 years or longer. Here’s how to keep them in great shape:
-
Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
-
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens.
-
Schedule regular check-ups with Dr. Addario in Chula Vista, CA.
-
Address any issues, such as grinding teeth, promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to get a dental crown?
Getting a dental crown should not be painful as the procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic. Some patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
How long does it take to put a dental crown on a tooth?
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the dental crown placement process. The time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth can vary depending on the specific case and the dentist’s technique. Your dentist will provide a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
How long do dental crowns last?
enerally, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your dental crown will depend on various factors such as the material used, oral hygiene routine, and the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to. Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to have a longer lifespan than metal or resin-based crowns.
Can a dental crown be placed in one day?
Yes, it’s possible to get a dental crown placed in one day using a technology called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology allows the dentist to create and place a custom crown in a single dental visit. The dentist will take digital impressions of the tooth, design the crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then use an in-office milling machine to fabricate the final crown.
Get the Smile You Deserve in Chula Vista, CA
Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore and protect your teeth while enhancing your smile. At Smile Expert, Dr. Addario and our team are here to provide top-notch dental care to you and your family. Whether you’re in Chula Vista or nearby communities like Bonita or Eastlake, you’re in good hands. Schedule your dental crown appointment with the best dentist in Chula Vista by calling (619) 656-1788
Office Hours
Tuesday: 8am to 5pm
Wednesday: 8am to 5pm
Thursday: 7am to 4pm
Friday: 7am to 3pm