A dental crown can restore the strength, function and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth.
Strengthening Your Smile
A dental crown, or cap, is a permanent restoration that fits over a decayed or damaged tooth to protect it and make it whole. Usually, a crown is used when too much of a tooth’s natural structure is missing to support a filling. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth to the gumline and restores its strength, function and appearance. Whether you want a completely natural-looking zirconia crown or a more affordable stainless steel one, at Oconee Dental Associates, we have options to fit your budget and needs.
Benefits of
Dental Crowns
Protects Your Tooth
A dental crown can hold a weak or damaged tooth together, protect a tooth from decay and infection and/or strengthen a tooth after a root canal or other procedure.
Restores Function and Appearance
A dental crown covers your whole tooth to the gumline, returning it to full function. It can also restore or transform the tooth’s appearance.
Strong and Durable
Our crowns can withstand the forces from biting, chewing and grinding food. With good oral hygiene, your dental crown will last for years to come.
Types of Dental Crowns
We offer several different types of dental crowns in West Union, SC. No matter what your budget, lifestyle and needs are, we’ll help you decide on the best option to restore your smile.
At our practice, we have:
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are less expensive than porcelain crowns. They rarely break or chip, are the longest lasting and only require removing a minimal amount of tooth enamel for placement. The metallic color, however, makes them very noticeable, so they’re not usually used on teeth in the smile zone. A metal crown is often reserved for less-visible molars and for baby teeth that will fall out eventually.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns, also called ceramic crowns or porcelain crowns, are the most aesthetic option. The material can be color-matched to blend in seamlessly with your smile and it mimics the look of a natural tooth down to the way it reflects light. While zirconia crowns are more expensive than other varieties, they’re durable and beautiful. These crowns are ideal for restoring teeth that can be seen when you smile and for patients with metal allergies.
All-Resin Crowns
All-resin crowns are made of a composite resin material. They’re less expensive than most other options and offer an aesthetic result because they match the color of your natural teeth. On the other hand, they do require more enamel to be removed for placement and they wear down more quickly than zirconia and metal crowns. All-resin crowns are usually used on the front teeth or as a temporary while you’re waiting for a permanent restoration.
Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, one of our Oconee dentists will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. They’ll then remove any decay and re-sculpt the tooth to ensure it fits snugly under the crown.
Once the tooth has been prepared, we’ll take a dental impression. A lab will create a custom permanent crown based on the impression and the dentist’s specifications. In the meantime, you’ll wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
At your next appointment, the dentist will gently remove the temporary. They’ll place the permanent crown on your tooth and check the fit, appearance and your bite. When you’re happy with how it looks and feels, they’ll cement the crown into place.
