Dental Crown

A dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to fit over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. At Alki Dental, we use crowns to protect teeth that have undergone significant decay, have cracked or broken, or have received a root canal. They’re also an excellent solution for improving the aesthetics of discolored or misshapen teeth. Our dental crowns are typically crafted from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, ensuring both longevity and a natural look.

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Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns play a vital role in restorative dentistry, offering a versatile solution for various dental issues. When you have a tooth that’s severely damaged or decayed, a crown acts as a protective cover, encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.

This not only strengthens the tooth but also improves its appearance and functionality. At Alki Dental, we carefully assess each patient’s unique needs to determine if a dental crown is the best treatment option for their specific situation.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Prevents Further Tooth Decay

A dental crown acts as a protective barrier, fully encasing the damaged tooth. This coverage significantly reduces the risk of further decay on the treated tooth. By sealing off vulnerable areas, a crown prevents bacteria and plaque from accessing the tooth’s surface, especially in cases where large portions of the original tooth structure have been compromised.

At Alki Dental, we ensure your crown fits perfectly, creating a tight seal that helps maintain the health of the underlying tooth for years to come.

Improves Bite Alignment

Dental crowns can play a crucial role in correcting and improving your bite alignment. When a tooth is damaged or worn down, it can affect how your upper and lower teeth come together. This misalignment can lead to issues like jaw pain, headaches, or uneven wear on other teeth.

By restoring the shape and size of the affected tooth with a precisely crafted crown, we can help reestablish proper bite alignment. This improvement not only enhances comfort but also promotes overall oral health.

Boosts Self-Confidence

While the functional benefits of dental crowns are significant, the impact on your self-confidence shouldn’t be underestimated. Many patients at Alki Dental report feeling more comfortable smiling, speaking, and eating in public after receiving their crown.

Especially for visible teeth, a well-crafted crown can dramatically improve the appearance of a discolored, misshapen, or damaged tooth. This restoration often leads to increased self-esteem and a more positive self-image, allowing you to interact with others without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.

Supports Surrounding Teeth

A dental crown does more than just protect the tooth it covers; it also provides support to the surrounding teeth. When a tooth is severely damaged or missing, neighboring teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space, leading to alignment issues.

By restoring the damaged tooth with a crown, we maintain proper spacing and prevent unwanted movement of adjacent teeth. This support helps preserve the overall structure and health of your entire dental arch, reducing the risk of future complications.

Customizable Aesthetics

At Alki Dental, we understand that every smile is unique. One of the key benefits of modern dental crowns is their high level of customization. We can tailor the shape, size, and color of your crown to perfectly match your natural teeth or even improve upon your original tooth’s appearance.

This level of customization allows us to address specific aesthetic concerns while ensuring the crown functions properly. Whether you’re looking for a natural match or a smile enhancement, we can create a crown that meets your individual preferences and complements your facial features.

Our Dental Crown Process

Initial Exam and Planning

Your first visit to Alki Dental for a crown involves a thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding area. We use advanced imaging to get a clear picture of your tooth’s structure and overall oral health.

During this appointment, we’ll discuss your concerns and explain the crown procedure in detail. We encourage you to ask questions and share any preferences you have for your new crown. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with the treatment plan before we move forward.

Custom Crown Design

At Alki Dental, we use state-of-the-art digital technology to design your crown. Our 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) software allow us to create a precise virtual model of your tooth and the proposed crown.

This digital approach lets us fine-tune every detail of your crown’s shape and fit. We’ll show you a preview of how your new crown will look, making any necessary adjustments to meet your expectations before we start making the actual crown.

Crown Creation

Once we’ve finalized the design, we begin crafting your custom crown. For some cases, we can use our in-office milling machine to create your crown on the same day. For more complex situations, we work with a trusted dental lab to ensure the highest quality.

We carefully select materials that offer both strength and a natural appearance. Throughout the creation process, we maintain strict quality checks to ensure your crown meets our high standards for fit, function, and aesthetics.

Fitting and Cementing

When your crown is ready, you’ll return to Alki Dental for the fitting. We’ll remove any temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth thoroughly. Next, we carefully place the new crown, checking to make sure it fits perfectly and aligns correctly with your bite.

We may make small adjustments to ensure the crown feels comfortable and looks natural. Once we’re satisfied with the fit and appearance, we use strong dental cement to permanently secure the crown in place.

Aftercare Instructions

After your crown is in place, we’ll provide you with detailed care instructions. We’ll show you the best ways to brush and floss around your new crown and recommend gentle yet effective oral care products. We’ll also advise you on foods to enjoy and those to avoid to help your crown last as long as possible.

Our team is always available to answer any questions you might have about caring for your new crown. Regular check-ups at Alki Dental will help ensure your crown and overall oral health stay in top condition.

Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns

We understand that getting a dental crown can feel daunting. That’s why we prioritize your comfort and understanding throughout the process. Our dentists take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.

We offer sedation options for anxious patients and flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy life. With Alki Dental, you’re not just getting a crown—you’re gaining a partner in your long-term oral health.

Restore Your Smile with Confidence!

Don’t let a damaged or unsightly tooth hold you back. A custom dental crown from Alki Dental can revitalize your smile and boost your confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Call Alki Dental or book online today—your renewed smile is just an appointment away.

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FAQs About Dental Crowns

How long do dental crowns last?

Well-maintained crowns may last up to 15-20 years. Your crown’s lifespan depends on your oral care routine, diet, and even habits like teeth grinding. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized care plan that maximizes your crown’s durability. Remember, regular check-ups are key to ensuring your crown stays in top shape for years to come.

What does a dental crown look like?

Your dental crown will be a mirror image of your natural tooth. We custom-craft each crown to match your tooth’s unique shape, size, and color perfectly. Our patients often tell us they can’t distinguish their crown from their natural teeth when they smile. You’ll leave our office with a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Can you put a dental bridge after a crown?

Yes, it’s possible to incorporate an existing crowned tooth into a dental bridge. However, we may need to replace the crown to ensure it provides proper support for the bridge. During your visit to Alki Dental, we’ll assess your current crown and discuss the best options for your specific dental needs and goals.

How long does a dental crown take?

At Alki Dental, we typically complete the crown process in two visits over a 2-3 week period. Your first appointment, where we prepare your tooth and take impressions, usually lasts about an hour. We then craft your custom crown, which takes 1-2 weeks. Your final visit for crown placement is typically quick, often completed in 30-45 minutes.

What are dental crowns made of?

We offer a range of materials for dental crowns, each suited to different needs. For front teeth, we often recommend porcelain or ceramic for their natural appearance. For back teeth that endure more pressure, we might suggest metal alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal. During your consultation at Alki Dental, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each material to find the perfect fit for your smile and lifestyle.

Testimonials

“Great experience with Dr Park, with excellent explanation and details about my situation. Also, Alki Dental has an option for their own insurance plan.”
Nataly P.

“Dr Park and the team at Alki Dental were great. I don’t really like going to the dentist but the whole team made it an overall great experience. They even liked my dog (Bailey). Thanks to all at Alki Dental.”
Theron P.

“The staff are very friendly and attentive, the office is very clean”
Frank R.

“Lovely dentist and good care :). Glad I found em”
S T

“Dr. Park was kind and expeditious! She did a wonderful job and followed up on my concerns. Thank you! 🙂 Parking can be tough on a sunny day, other than that, I have no complaints. Thank you for the help.”
Hugo A.