Despite your best efforts, there may come a time in your life when you fracture, discolor, or even lose a tooth. Dental decay can also take hold on your teeth, causing problems like cavities and painful infections. Fortunately, through the art and science of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, your smile can enjoy a new lease on life. Here’s what you should know about how dental crowns can improve your smile. 

What Are Dental Crowns? 

Dental crowns can be made of composite resin, porcelain, stainless steel, or even gold. Crowns are designed to cover the entire enamel and help strengthen the structural integrity of the tooth, improving your bite force and protecting your dental arch. Because teeth tend to become brittle after their blood supply is lost, crowns are often required after root canals. 

Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes since they can be customized for the patient. They can improve the color, size, and shape of the teeth, improving the symmetry and appearance of the smile. Crowns can also be directly mounted to dental implants, creating a realistic and easy-to-care-for solution for missing teeth. 

How Are Dental Crowns Placed? 

After evaluating the health of your teeth, dentists prepare the tooth for a permanent crown by gently removing some of the dental enamel. This preparation makes it easier to place the crown and adjust it later. After the enamel is prepared, your dentist will take a mold of your smile to use as a cast to fabricate the final crown. In some instances, dental crowns may be fabricated in-office with a special 3D printing machine; in other cases, the mold may be sent off to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown will be crafted. 

You never know when you might need dental crowns, so continue visiting a dentist for biannual appointments. At Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI, they offer everything from same-day crowns to dental implants, helping you keep your smile functional, beautiful, and comfortable for the long haul. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (608) 784-4063 to schedule an appointment.