If you Are in Need of a Front-Tooth Dental Crown, Visit Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ
When dental crowns are discussed, most patients typically think about them as a solution to various issues with teeth toward the back of the mouth. This is not always the case. There are times where it may become necessary to place a crown on a front-facing tooth. Life Smiles Dental Care is here for you. Crowns used by the dentists at Life Smiles are constructed to look as close in appearance to your remaining natural front teeth as possible. This includes matching color and shape. They can be made of porcelain or resin because these substances are stain-resistant and durable.
Reasons a Front-Tooth Crown May Be Necessary
There are several situations in which you may find yourself in need of a front tooth crown. Normally, front-tooth crowns are only going to be used for restoration purposes, although there are some reasons for one to be used in a cosmetic situation. According to the National Institute of Health, the most common reasons you may need a front-tooth crown include:
- A front tooth has suffered serious damage, such as a crack
- Severe degradation of tooth material due to decay
- A broken front tooth
- A front-tooth that has been treated with a root canal
Unlike a veneer, the crown will wrap around the tooth and not just cover the front. The porcelain used for the front-tooth crown is guaranteed to be made of the most beautiful natural dental material available. This type of crown is less likely to impact the overall look of your smile. Also, since there isn’t as much pressure applied to front teeth during chewing, a more durable porcelain fused to metal crown isn’t usually necessary. If treated properly, once applied, your crown can last up to 15 years.
The Appearance of a Front-Tooth Crown
Crowns placed on front teeth are naturally colored and meticulous attention is paid to the shade of the crown so that it will match the natural remaining teeth which will surround it. Before you undergo the procedure, it’s important to consider the shade of your existing teeth. You may consider a tooth whitening procedure before having the crown’s color matched. Once a crown is colored and put into place, it cannot be changed. Due to this, if you decide to have a whitening procedure done after getting the crown, that crown will no longer match the shade of the whitened teeth and it will appear darker then the rest of your teeth. This is due to a crown’s resistance to the whitening procedure.
Caring for Your Crown
Maintenance and care of a front-tooth crown are not too different from caring for a natural tooth. You will need to practice proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental visits so that Dr. Takacs can ensure your crown remains stable and undamaged. The use of an ADA approved toothbrush and paste will help you keep your mouth clean and healthy so that you can avoid degradation of the crown as well as gum disease.
There are certain habits you will want to avoid so as not to damage the crown. Habits that may seem perfectly harmless, but could crack/chip the crown include:
- Chewing on ice
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Chewing candies that are hard
- Chewing on your fingernails
It is also important to avoid consuming food and drink which could result in staining of the teeth. While your crown is resistant to staining, your natural teeth are not. If your natural teeth become stained, the shade of your crown may no longer match, causing it to stand out.
The fact is that you should not be afraid that a crown applied to a front tooth is going to ruin your smile. It will not! If you avoid these habits, you can have peace of mind that, if you need a crown, your smile will remain visually appealing and natural.
The Process of Treating Your Tooth with a Crown
Getting ready for your crown may require two or more visits to the dentist. An x-ray will be performed so that the tooth and surrounding bone can be seen. If any infection or significant decay is seen, it may be decided that a root canal is necessary. A mold of your teeth will be taken and then sent off to a professionally skilled ceramist. The crown can take some time to be created so, in the meantime, a temporary crown will be put into place so that the tooth is covered and protected. Once the final product arrives, you will come back in so that the temporary crown can be removed and the permanent crown, which has been personalized to match your teeth, can be applied.
If you need a front-tooth dental crown, give Life Smiles Dental Care a call at (602) 786-5484 today. Crowns at Life Smiles are expertly crafted so that you can feel confident in your smile for years to come!
