Dental crowns are a versatile dental treatment that serves many cosmetic and restorative needs. It can be used to address complex dental problems, replace missing teeth, and restore function to your bite. With proper care and routine maintenance, a dental crown can last many years and its strength and durability are comparable to that of natural teeth.
Sterling, VA dentist Dr. Zahra Kavianpour offers custom dental crowns for patients with compromised teeth. As an experienced professional, Dr. Kavianpour can size, shape, and color match your dental crown to blend naturally with your existing teeth.
Our team works with each of our patients on a personalized basis to create treatment plans that are right for them. If you are in need of custom dental crowns in Sterling, VA, visit the trusted team at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics for a consultation.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several different types of dental crowns available that are made from different materials. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Kavianpour will choose the material that is most appropriate for the patient and their unique situation. Factors such as the location of the tooth and the amount of bite force the tooth uses will help determine which type of dental crown you need.
Dr. Kavianpour Offers 5 Types of Dental Crowns in Sterling VA
- All-resin dental crowns: An all-resin crown is made entirely from composite resin materials. They are the most affordable type of dental crown and offer decent aesthetics. However, they are less durable than other crown types. Most dentists use them for temporary or short-term solutions rather than a long-term dental restoration.
- Metal dental crown: Metal crowns are made entirely from metal alloys, like gold, palladium, or nickel-chromium. They are very strong and durable making them very resistant to wear and tear. Most people will choose them for their molars and teeth that use a lot of biting force. However, they do have a metallic appearance making them not very aesthetically pleasing if they are seen when smiling.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crown: This type of dental crown is made entirely from ceramic materials. Teeth with ceramic or porcelain dental crowns offer the most natural tooth appearance. For this reason, dentists often use them for front teeth providing patients with the most lifelike appearance when they speak or smile. While they offer the best aesthetics, we do not recommend using them on the back teeth since those use greater chewing forces.
- Pressed ceramic – capped with porcelain: This type of dental crown provides a strong core with an aesthetic outer coating of porcelain. The core is formed by pressing ceramic under high heat and then adding layers of porcelain over top of it. However, the porcelain is still susceptible to wear and tear.
- Stainless steel dental crowns: Stainless steel crowns are pre-fabricated and generally used as a temporary dental restoration in children. They are affordable and simple to place. Dentist use them children because they offer the perfect amount of short-term protection until a permanent solution can be used.
Who Should Consider Dental Crowns?
A patient may require a dental crown for many reasons. Common reasons for needing a dental crown may include:
- To address a misshapen or uneven tooth
- Repair a cracked, weakened, or damaged tooth
- Fill a cavity that is too large for a traditional dental filling
- To restore a dental implant
- Support a dental bridge
- To help stabilize a tooth after a root canal
- To transform a stained or discolored tooth
- Support a damaged or decayed tooth
Dental crowns serve many purposes and can be an effective solution for patients of all ages. Once you receive a dental crown, you will care for it just as you would your natural teeth. In order to increase the longevity of a dental crown, it is important to visit our dental office regularly for routine dental exams.
Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Crowns?
If you sustained tooth damage, missing teeth, or have undergone a root canal, a dental crown may be right for you. However, for patients who habitually grind or clench their teeth, a dental crown may not be right for you. Our team will assess your teeth and explore all possible treatment options with you during your consultation.
Custom Dental Crowns Process in Sterling, VA
In many cases, receiving a dental crown will require at least two visits to our Sterling dental office. During the first visit, Dr. Kavianpour will carefully prepare the affected tooth. During the preparation process, we may remove a small amount of enamel and clean the tooth to ensure the crown fits properly.
Once the tooth is properly prepared, we will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create your custom dental crown. In some cases, we may place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it during the fabrication process.
At your final visit, Dr. Kavianpour will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, place the custom crown, and make any final adjustments.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dr. Kavianpour answers questions to commonly asked questions about dental crowns. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We want our patients to feel confident about the care they are receiving.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a dental restoration that a dentist will use to encase an entire tooth that is compromised. Typically, a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed will require a dental crown. This tooth-shaped restoration will help strengthen the tooth to prevent further damage.
How long do crowns last?
Dental crowns usually last anywhere between 10-30 years, although they are considered to be a permanent treatment. There are many factors that contribute to determining a crown’s lifespan. Good oral hygiene, diet, and wearing a mouthguard at night lengthen the lifespan of a crown.
Do dental crowns hurt?
Crowns typically require anesthesia and sedation so during the procedure a patient should not feel discomfort or pain. Post-procedure many patients report feeling uncomfortable, but this is temporary. The discomfort should not last more than 2 weeks and oftentimes goes away much sooner than that.
Are crowns on the front teeth noticeable?
A crown on your front tooth should not be noticeable. Today, crowns are so advanced that they blend in with your natural teeth pretty well. This was not always the case decades ago. Ceramic dental crowns in particular are undetectable. Over time, many patients may even forget that they have had a crown put into their mouth.
How should I take care of dental crowns?
Dental crowns require the same amount of care as normal teeth. It is recommended that patients brush their teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day. It is also recommended that patients schedule dental cleanings every 6 months to be sure that their dental crowns are doing well and their oral health is in check.
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost of your dental crown will depend on several things including whether or not you have dental insurance. Most dental insurance plans offer some type of coverage for crowns as long as it is not for cosmetic purposes. It will also depend on which material you use since the cost difference among them is significant. It is best to schedule a dental consult with the dentist to get a clear picture of how much your dental crown will cost.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Crown in Sterling, VA
We offer a complete range of restorative dentistry solutions to improve the health and function of your smile. Dr. Kavianpour is a dentist near you who works closely with each of our patients to design a personalized dental treatment plan to care for their specific needs. If you are dealing with tooth damage and need a custom dental crown, visit our Ashburn area dental practice. Call us at 703.444.3412 or request an appointment online today.