Dental Crowns

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Acting much like a helmet on your head, protective dental crowns are put in place by our West Michigan dentists to cover all that you can see above the gum line after treatment for decay, erosion, or injury. We primarily offer porcelain crowns for patients as they blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth and lend appropriate strength to any tooth in need.

Here’s when a dental crown is needed as well as how one can help your smile.

An Overview of the Dental Crown Process

During your first appointment, our dentists will remove a minimal amount of enamel to allow for a comfortable fit once the incoming dental crown is placed over the tooth. Next, we will take digital impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. Since it takes a few weeks for your porcelain crown to be made, our dentists will place a temporary crown to shield the vulnerable tooth while you wait.

A few weeks later, you’ll return to one of our West Michigan dental offices to have your temporary crown replaced with the permanent one. Before placing your permanent dental crown, our dentists will check the fit, size, and color. Once we’re satisfied with how your tooth crown looks, it will be cemented in place.

No matter if your crown is temporary or permanent, we recommend being careful around:

  • Ice cubes (chewing on them)
  • Whole, hard nut mixes
  • Popcorn with kernels
  • Very sticky treats like caramel or taffy

Dental Crowns FAQ

1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap for a damaged tooth. The crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Our dentists will often recommend porcelain crowns for teeth that are fragile, broken, or discolored.
2. How long can a dental crown last?
When taken care of properly (brushing at least twice a day, flossing once daily, and receiving cleanings every 6 months), the lifespan of a dental crown is up to 15 years. If you notice signs of wear, however, it may need to be replaced sooner.
3. Why would I need a dental crown?
A dental crown may be necessary for a multitude of reasons. Those include:

4. How do I care for my dental crown(s)?
Just like with the rest of your teeth, you will need to stay on top of your oral care. Gently brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. It is also recommended to avoid hard foods as they could damage your crown and if you grind or clench your teeth, to consider integrating a night guard into your bedtime routine.
5. What is a temporary crown?
A temporary dental crown is placed by our dentists while your permanent crown is being crafted in the dental lab. It is placed over the tooth and held in place with an adhesive that can be removed once the permanent version is ready.

Make an Appointment Today

Our dentists serving West Michigan can examine your tooth and let you know if a dental crown would be the best solution. We’ll always do what we can to save your natural teeth and a crown is a conservative option! Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations down below to schedule an appointment and get started!

  • MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven at (616) 209-4704
  • MI Smiles Dental Cascade at (616) 974-4990
  • MI Smiles Dental Comstock Park at (616) 784-3515
  • MI Smiles Dental Grand Rapids at (616) 942-2870
  • MI Smiles Dental Ionia at (616) 527-2220

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