Dental crowns are custom-made caps to fit over your entire tooth or a portion of your tooth. They restore a tooth’s strength and shape and can improve its appearance. They’re usually made of porcelain, but they might also use materials such as gold alloy and other metals. Gold alloy crowns tend to be less durable than all-porcelain ones; however, they cost less than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that don’t contain metal. Our dentist at Nicole E. Kuske, DDS, can help you determine which type of crown is best for you.

Suitable Candidate for Dental Crowns

Many people with damaged or broken teeth can benefit from getting dental crowns. If you have a tooth that is broken, a crown can be used to cover and protect the remaining structure. A crown in Lake Forest, CA, can also help hold parts of a tooth together after a large filling or root canal treatment. This can prevent further damage and decay to other parts of your mouth.

Another time to consider getting a dental crown is after you’ve received orthodontic treatment. Teeth can become worn down from years of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while you sleep. If this is the case, your dentist might suggest that you get a crown to protect your teeth and keep them healthy.

The Procedure for Dental Crowns

Once our dentist in Lake Forest, CA, has determined you need a crown, he will prepare the tooth by removing its outer portion so that the crown will fit over it snugly. Next, they will take impressions of your teeth so the permanent crown can be made, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you’ll wear a temporary crown made from acrylic resin that will protect your tooth from further harm. When your custom crown is ready, you’ll come in for a fitting so that your crown will fit perfectly. Afterward, your crown will be bonded into place. It may feel strange eating and chewing with your new crown at first, but after a few days, it will feel like a natural part of your smile.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

• Improved appearance
• Protection from further decay or damage
• Strengthening the tooth structure and surrounding teeth
• Improving the bite
• Restoring a tooth to its proper shape and size
• Closing or correcting gaps between teeth
• Covering broken or misshapen teeth
• Attaching bridges or covering dental implants
• Making a smile look natural and beautiful
• Improving speech
• Fixing a tooth after a root canal treatment
• Replacing missing teeth with artificial ones

If you’re interested in learning more about crowns and our services, visit Nicole E. Kuske, DDS at 22992 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630, or call (949) 855-0176.