Capping Off a Perfect Smile in Saint Clair Shores: The Power of Dental Crowns
When a tooth is compromised by damage or decay, a dental crown offers a steadfast solution for a broken or damaged tooth. At Smiles on Little Mack, home of the top dentist in Saint Clair Shores, Dr. Whittaker and our skilled team are dedicated to crafting durable, natural-looking dental crowns that restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile. Imagine a smile that feels as strong as it looks, allowing you to savor every meal at local favorites like Sindbad’s Restaurant and share hearty laughs with friends near the Jefferson Beach Marina without hesitation.
Whether you’re a long-time resident of Saint Clair Shores, visiting us from nearby Grosse Pointe Farms, or Harrison Township, your path to a stronger, more confident smile begins with a simple call at (586) 285-5758. We welcome new patients.
Smiles on Little Mack: Small Town Convenience, Big City Results
Why trek down Jefferson Avenue towards the heart of Detroit for exceptional dental care? Right here in Saint Clair Shores, nestled conveniently near the Nautical Mile and the vibrant local businesses, Smiles on Little Mack offers the advanced techniques and comprehensive services you’d expect from a “big city” practice, all within the comfortable and familiar setting of your neighborhood.
Experience the best of both worlds: small-town convenience with Detroit-level expertise, right here at Smiles on Little Mack. Call one of the best dentists near you today at (586) 285-5758 to schedule your appointment and discover the difference local, quality dental care can make.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made coverings placed over the entire visible portion of a tooth, acting like a protective cap for the entire tooth. Think of them as snug, tooth-shaped caps designed to restore a tooth’s strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made in a dental lab to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in various types, each tailored to meet specific dental needs and preferences:
- Porcelain Crowns: A popular choice for front teeth, known for their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with existing teeth.
- Metal Crowns (e.g., Gold Alloys): Often preferred for out-of-sight molars due to their exceptional strength and durability, as metal crowns rarely chip.
- Ceramic Crowns (including Zirconia): Offer a natural look and are extremely durable, making them a versatile option for many patients.
- Stainless Steel Crowns: Typically used as temporary crowns, especially for children’s primary teeth, providing a cost-effective and durable solution until a permanent crown can be placed.
- Composite Resin Crowns: Another option, often used for temporary restorations or as a filling material, offering a natural look at a lower cost.
We do not offer every type of dental crown mentioned above. Contact our Saint Clair Shores dental office to schedule a smile consultation.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Investing in a dental crown at Smiles on Little Mack offers numerous advantages for your oral health and well-being:
- Strengthens a Weak Tooth: Crowns provide crucial support to teeth compromised by decay, large fillings, or fractures, preventing further damage and potential tooth loss.
- Restores Damaged Teeth: Broken or cracked teeth can regain their original shape and function with the placement of a dental crown, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking. Additionally, crowns can be less abrasive to opposing teeth compared to other dental restorations.
- Protects Teeth After Root Canal: Following a root canal procedure, a tooth can become more brittle. A crown provides the necessary protection to prevent breakage and ensure the tooth’s longevity.
- Enhances Appearance: Crowns can cover severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly sized teeth, creating a more uniform and attractive smile, boosting confidence for individuals in Saint Clair Shores.
- Supports Dental Bridges: Crowns serve as anchors for dental bridges, holding the artificial replacement teeth in place to fill gaps caused by missing teeth.
- Prevents Gum Disease and Gum Line Issues: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential even after getting a dental crown. Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of antibacterial mouthwash can prevent decay and gum disease. Proper placement of crown margins above the gum line is also crucial to avoid complications such as gingival inflammation and recession.
Dental Crown Candidacy
Determining if a dental crown procedure is the right solution for you involves a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Whittaker at our Saint Clair Shores dental office. Generally, you may be a good candidate for a dental crown if you:
- Have a tooth that is significantly damaged, decayed, or fractured. A dental crown can effectively cover a broken or decayed tooth when other treatments, like fillings, are not viable options.
- Have undergone root canal therapy and require protection for the treated tooth.
- Have a large filling that is failing or has insufficient tooth structure for support.
- Have a misshapen or severely discolored existing tooth that you wish to improve aesthetically.
- Require support for a dental bridge.
- Have a dental implant that needs a final restoration.
Dr. Whittaker will assess your individual needs, examine your oral health, and discuss your treatment goals to determine if a dental crown is the most appropriate option to restore your smile’s health, function, and beauty right here in Saint Clair Shores. Call (586) 285-5758 to learn more.
Dental Crown Process
First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Digital Impressions
During your initial visit, our dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth requiring a crown. To ensure a proper fit, the tooth will be carefully reshaped by removing a small amount of enamel. Local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout this process. We then utilize advanced digital scanning technology to take precise, comfortable impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for traditional putty molds. Impressions of the adjacent teeth are also made to ensure that the crown will not affect your bite.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Placement
Once your custom crown is fabricated to Dr. Whittaker’s exact specifications, you will return to our Saint Clair Shores office for placement. The temporary crown will be gently removed, and your new permanent crown will be meticulously checked for fit, shape, and color to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural smile. Finally, the permanent crown will be securely bonded to your prepared tooth using strong dental cement, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. Patients typically return for a second appointment where the permanent crown is fitted using dental cement.
Caring for Dental Crowns
With proper care, your dental crown from Smiles on Little Mack can last for many years, providing lasting strength and beauty to your smile. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your dental crowns:
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying close attention to the area around the crown. Regular oral hygiene practices should continue even after getting a dental crown.
- Use Antibacterial Mouthwash: Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine to help protect your crowned teeth from decay and gum disease.
- Be Mindful of Your Diet: Avoid chewing on excessively hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge your crown.
- Use Caution with Hard Objects: Refrain from using your teeth to open bottles or packaging, and avoid habits like chewing on pens or pencils, as these can chip or fracture your crown.
- Consider a Nightguard if You Grind Your Teeth: If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), especially while sleeping, talk to Dr. Whittaker about getting a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your crowns from excessive pressure.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Continue to visit Smiles on Little Mack for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental crown typically last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last many years, often a decade or longer. Factors that can affect its lifespan include your oral hygiene habits, the material of the crown, and the forces placed on it through chewing and grinding.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes, your dental crown is fabricated from high-quality materials that closely match your natural teeth’s color, shape, and size. Our goal is to create a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No, getting a dental crown isn’t painful. The process of preparing your tooth for a crown and placing the crown itself is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel significant pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity may occur afterward, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.