Dental Crowns

A dental crown is one of the most versatile and time-tested restorations in dentistry. At Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Smalkoski use crowns to restore teeth that have been significantly damaged, weakened, or structurally compromised in a way that a filling alone cannot adequately address. Think of a crown as a fitted cap that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth, from the gumline up. It restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting the remaining natural tooth structure underneath. There are several situations where a crown is the right solution. A tooth that has a very large cavity may not have enough healthy enamel left to hold a filling in place securely. A tooth that has cracked or broken can be vulnerable to further damage and pain every time you bite down. A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy becomes more brittle and is at higher risk of fracturing without the protection of a crown. Crowns are also used to cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth for cosmetic reasons, and they form the visible portion of a dental implant restoration. At Creating Beautiful Smiles, we offer crowns made from high-quality materials including porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, depending on the location of the tooth and your specific needs. Tooth-colored crowns are designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth so the restoration is essentially invisible. Our team will walk you through the material options and help you understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after treatment so you feel confident every step of the way.

Getting a dental crown at Creating Beautiful Smiles typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth by reshaping it to create space for the crown. This involves removing a thin, even layer of enamel from all sides of the tooth so the crown will fit properly without making the tooth feel bulky or uneven. Local anesthesia is used throughout this process so you remain comfortable. Once the tooth is shaped, impressions or a digital scan of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your permanent crown is custom-crafted to fit your tooth precisely. While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it. You will wear this temporary crown for a couple of weeks until your permanent restoration is ready. At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the fit, color, and shape of the permanent crown are carefully checked before it is cemented into place. Any small adjustments needed to ensure a comfortable bite are made at this time. Once your dentist is satisfied with the fit and appearance, the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth. After placement, you can expect your restored tooth to feel and function just like a natural one. Crowns are strong enough to handle normal chewing and biting, and with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a well-placed crown can last ten to fifteen years or longer. If you think you may need a crown, come in for an evaluation and our team will help you understand all of your options.