At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Maurice Haynes offers crown restorations as part of his top-notch general dental services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.
What Are Dental Crowns and How Are the Restorations Used?
Also referred to as dental caps, crown restorations resemble natural teeth and are designed to restore teeth that have been damaged or worn down from trauma or decay. Crowns are frequently used to support root canal therapy as well.
What Happens During the Process?
During the first visit, we take photographs of your teeth and also involve you in selecting the correct shade match to your teeth for your crown. We then numb the area prior to taking an initial impression, which will be used to make a temporary crown to wear while the lab is fabricating your permanent one. Next, the tooth is prepared to make room for the thickness of your crown. A final impression is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to our lab for fabrication of your permanent crown. Finally, a temporary acrylic crown is made and temporarily cemented to your prepared tooth. While wearing the temporary crown, you should avoid chewing hard substances, as well as sticky food such as gum or caramel.
The second visit occurs when the crown has returned from our lab, and the temporary one is removed from your tooth. The tooth is cleaned, and the crown is fitted and adjusted until your bite feels comfortable. It is then cemented to your tooth and becomes a permanent part of your smile.
What Types of Dental Crowns Are Available?
Crown restorations are made in one of three types: porcelain fused to metal, gold, and all ceramic or all porcelain crowns.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Dental Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to metal crowns are durable restorations that provide aesthetic appeal. However, the metal can show at the gum line. Therefore, a porcelain collar is often added to the crown to cover the metal along the margin of the cap.
All Ceramic Dental Crowns
All ceramic or porcelain crowns are not supported by a metal core and, therefore, are not as thick as their fused-to-metal counterparts. As a result, these kinds of aesthetic restorations are designed to be utilized in areas where there is limited space. Ceramic crowns are generally placed in areas where the teeth are used less frequently.
Gold Dental Crowns
While gold crowns are not as aesthetic in appearance as porcelain crowns, they are still useful for restoring teeth toward the back of the mouth, such as the molars, where they will not be seen as easily. Because of gold's strength, it is ideally suited to the back chewing teeth.
Why Choose Dr. Maurice Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?
Dr. Maurice Haynes stays up-to-date on the newest advances and technologies in the field of dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible. He combines excellent dental services with compassion and is an active member of the American Dental Association.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Greenbelt, MD?
The cost for crowns varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.
Your dental insurance may cover the cost of crowns. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your crowns coverage.
We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket crowns costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our crowns patients.
Additional Family Dentistry Topics:
Dental Crowns FAQs
Do crowns ruin your teeth?
When applied properly, a crown can provide great cosmetic benefits while also protecting the underlying tooth. In cases where the cement is poorly applied to the dental crown, it is possible for bacteria to penetrate the tooth and cause decay over time. At University Centre Dental Associates, we are aware of the risks of dental crowns and take great care in performing these treatments to ensure long-term tooth health.
Is it better to pull a tooth or get a crown?
Both tooth extraction and dental crowns can be an effective option depending on the circumstance. For patients who simply have a damaged tooth and are looking for a cosmetic solution, a crown is usually the optimal choice. However, in instances of extreme tooth decay, or in a case where the tooth has moved substantially out of place, it may be a better option to consider pulling the tooth. We can help you determine the best choice for your situation.
Can food get stuck under a crown?
If a crown doesn’t fit properly on the tooth, it is possible for food to get stuck underneath it, leading to the buildup of plaque and other dental health issues. At University Centre Dental Associates, we take great care in applying dental crowns to ensure a snug fit and long-term dental health.
Which is better: porcelain or ceramic crown?
The choice between a porcelain and ceramic crown will depend on the patient and the location of the crown. A porcelain crown may look less natural, but offers a longer lifespan and increased durability. It may be the preferred choice for a tooth that is not in the front of the mouth. On the other hand, a ceramic crown produces a more natural-looking smile, but at the cost of lower durability.
How long do crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary, depending on the material and the patient’s lifestyle habits. In most cases, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. After this time, they may need to be replaced or repaired.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!