Dentists permanently cement dental crowns over teeth to restore the shape, strength, and appearance of teeth. Occasionally, a single front tooth crown is necessary to even out the way your smile looks and return its sparkle.
Dr. Mina Levi of California Dental Innovations installs metal-free crowns in as little as two appointments. If you need a dental crown, there’s no reason to wait. Schedule an appointment at our San Francisco office today.
It’s natural to have questions when considering getting a crown or other restorative dentistry work. In this blog, we take the time to go over the most frequently asked questions regarding single front tooth crowns and answer them.
When is a single front tooth crown necessary?
Generally, people request a single front tooth crown for restorative purposes. For example, a tooth may need a crown if it is so severely decayed or damaged that it cannot be fixed with a filling. Additionally, sometimes dentists place a crown over a tooth to restrengthen it after root canal treatment.
Will crowning a front tooth lead to an unnatural or noticeable appearance?
While some like to stand out, we’d rather your dental restorations blend in among your natural teeth. Even though crowns are typically a part of restorative dentistry, there’s no reason to sacrifice aesthetics—especially if you need a crown placed in the visible smile territory.
Usually, porcelain is selected for a single front tooth crown because of its ability to mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel. Dr. Mina Levi carefully matches your metal-free crown to the color of your natural teeth for the most realistic look.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
Although porcelain crowns aren’t as strong as porcelain fused to metal or metal crowns, the front teeth aren’t subjected to as much pressure as other teeth (for example, your molars). So, durability is not as important a factor as superior aesthetics.
Still, porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years with proper care. However, the lifespan of a crown depends on many influences. Wear and tear, dental hygiene habits, and maintenance with routine dental check-ups impact how soon your crowns need to be replaced.
How do you care for a single front tooth crown?
Porcelain is structurally similar to natural enamel, so taking care of your teeth with a crown is not that different from caring for your other teeth. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning interdentally, avoiding biting on hard objects, and visiting your dentist at least every six months helps ensure that your crown remains intact and undamaged for as long as possible.
Likewise, we advise steering clear of staining food and drinks. Although ceramic is naturally stain-resistant, your natural teeth aren’t. It may look awkward if your natural teeth darken while the porcelain crowns remain the same color.
It’s important to note that if you plan on whitening your teeth in the future, it’s wise to whiten your teeth before installing a dental crown. Whitening treatments are specially designed to carefully whiten natural enamel. If applied to porcelain, the whitening treatment won’t respond.
Reach Out to Dr. Mina Levi About Durable, Realistic Crowns in San Francisco
Don’t worry about a single front tooth crown ruining your smile. Instead, metal-free dental crowns are used to restore the way your smile looks, functions, and feels. Book an appointment for natural-looking dental crowns by messaging us online or calling 415-513-5066 today.