Dental Crowns in Mountlake Terrace

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is put in to replace a missing or severely damaged tooth. Dental crowns are also used to cover dental implants and root canal-treated teeth. Dental crowns can be made of various materials and are a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.

Long-Lasting Tooth Restoration/Replacement

Dental crowns are one of the longest lasting dental treatments available for tooth restoration/replacement. With proper care, a dental crown can last 5-15 years before any type of maintenance is required. Proper care includes brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding foods or activities that may damage the teeth, and receiving routine dental care.

Protect Remaining Natural Tooth from Erosion & Damage

Protecting the remaining natural teeth is always a priority for dentists, and dental crowns allow them to do just that. By covering the remaining natural tooth with a custom-made cap, the natural tooth remains anchored to the jaw bone, minimizing bone loss and maintaining the structure of the face.

Improve Ability to Chew Foods

Teeth that are severely worn down, damaged, or missing make it difficult to chew certain foods. By placing a crown over these teeth, the patient can once again enjoy full chewing functionality and remove any tooth-related restrictions from their diet. Patients should still avoid foods that are very hard or very sticky, as these could damage the dental crown.

Improve Appearance

As mentioned above, when the natural tooth is removed, the underlying jaw bone often deteriorates and leaves the patient with a sunken look. This can make patients appear older than they actually are. Dental crowns combat this by allowing the remaining natural tooth to stay in the jaw bone, reducing bone loss in the jaw and volume loss in the face.

Only your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns. This involves a comprehensive examination of the teeth and mouth, including x-rays, and a discussion about the patient’s personal history, family history, lifestyle, and preferences. In general, dental crowns are best for healthy adults and children who have broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth, large fillings that compromise the strength of the tooth, missing teeth, or significantly undersized/eroded teeth.

Altitude Dental in Mountlake Terrace, Washington is your do-to dental clinic for all preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures, including dental crowns. Headed by Dr. Corina Marcus, DDS, Altitude Dental features state-of-the-art dental practices in a welcoming, professional environment. With a full range of services for both adults and children, come see why so many families make Altitude Dental their dental home.

Dental crowns can be made from different materials, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient and dentist. Dental crowns are most commonly made from:

Porcelain

This type of crown is the most common and is often used for teeth that are visible when smiling as they are made from porcelain-based material that retains the look of your natural teeth. These crowns have several advantages, including longevity and durability.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns are less common and use a metal structure coated with porcelain. They are known for their strength and durability while also allowing for a natural-looking restoration.

Zirconia

This is a newer type of material with similar aesthetics to porcelain but the strength of metal.

Gold Alloys

Rarely used and may not be covered by insurance. If you have dental insurance, check your plan documents as they should describe the types of crowns it will cover, as well as how much coverage it provides.