Top-Rated Denver Dentist Offers Quality Dental Crowns
Denver, CO, August 4th, 2021. Kendra L. Patterson, DMD makes your teeth your crowning glory with high-quality dental crowns in Denver, CO.
Natural teeth are durable but not indestructible. Sometimes, just biting down on the wrong food is all it takes to chip a tooth. Over time, even normal wear and tear takes its toll. Fortunately, patients don’t have to endure the pain and unsightly appearance.
Modern tooth restoration techniques like tooth-colored porcelain crowns can makeover a patient’s smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dentists describe crowns as caps for the teeth. Unlike a simple inlay or onlay, they’re a shell that fits over the natural tooth to reshape or repair it. In some instances, they can replace missing teeth. Fitting these caps usually takes two visits.
During the first visit, the dentist cleans the area, fills any cavities, and takes an impression of the tooth. The dentist will then send the details to the lab so that they can craft a personalized crown. The patient returns later for cementation.
Practices that specialize in cosmetic dentistry may have a lab on the premises. In such cases, the patient may receive same-day crowns, eliminating the need to return for a second visit.
When Do Dentists Use Crowns?
In general dentistry, tooth crowns:
- Cover cracks, chips, and discoloration
- Cap a dental implant
- Rebuild the biting surface
- Seal off a root canal
Dentists may use a temporary crown during an emergency treatment to protect the damaged area until the patient can return for a full consultation.
What Materials Do Dentists Use to Create Crowns?
Crowns come in a variety of materials, such as:
- Porcelain: The most life-like
- Metal: The most durable
- Resin: The most affordable
- Porcelain Capped Metal: A good blend of discretion and durability
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
A Natural Look and Feel
The dentist bonds the crown to the teeth permanently. They function the same as regular teeth, and patients care for them as they would natural teeth. Porcelain or tooth-colored resin crowns look indistinguishable from the rest.
Durable
A crown can last anywhere from ten to thirty years with proper care. Metal crowns are popular because they don’t wear as quickly as resin composite models. Porcelain crowns tend to have a lifespan of around 15 years but are more fragile than their metal counterparts.
Highly Functional
The ridges and dents on the teeth may seem random, but they are there for a practical reason. They make it easier for the patient to grip and grind their food. When the teeth wear down, it affects the patient’s ability to eat correctly.
Options for Patients with Allergies
Patients allergic to metals or who find chemical composites irritating to their gums will appreciate porcelain crowns. The material is biocompatible and won’t trigger an allergic reaction.
The Kendra L. Patterson DMD practice focuses on making the patient feel comfortable. The team is friendly and welcoming, treating each patient as the valued guest they are. For more information on dental crowns in Denver, CO, please contact Dr. Kendra Patterson at (303) 722-9504.