Dental crowns in Greater Akron and Greater Cleveland save teeth that are too damaged for fillings but not so far gone that extraction is the only option. These custom-made caps cover your entire tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. At Elegant Dentistry, Dr. Zaben uses high-quality materials and precise techniques to create crowns that function like natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.
A well-made crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer, giving you back the ability to chew normally and smile confidently without worrying about your tooth breaking apart.
When You Need a Crown
Crowns serve both protective and restorative purposes, addressing problems that range from structural damage to cosmetic concerns. Your dentist recommends a crown when your tooth needs more support than a filling can provide.
Common Reasons for Crowns:
- Large cavities that have destroyed significant tooth structure
- Cracked or broken teeth that need reinforcement
- Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
- Severely worn teeth from grinding or acid erosion
- Misshapen or discolored teeth that need complete coverage
- Anchoring dental bridges in place
- Covering dental implants to replace missing teeth
Sometimes a tooth looks fine on the surface but has cracks running through it that hurt when you bite down. A crown holds everything together and distributes chewing forces evenly, eliminating the pain and preventing the tooth from splitting completely.
Types of Crown Materials
When restoring a damaged or weakened tooth, the material used for your dental crown plays an important role in both appearance and durability. At our practice, we focus on high-quality zirconia and ceramic crowns, which offer a strong, natural-looking solution without the use of metal.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for their exceptional strength and longevity, making them an excellent option for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. They are highly resistant to chipping and cracking while still providing a clean, natural appearance. Modern zirconia can be shaded to closely match your surrounding teeth, offering a balance of durability and aesthetics without any metal underneath.
Zirconia crowns are also biocompatible, meaning they work well for patients with sensitivities and do not create dark lines at the gum line.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are designed to closely mimic the translucency and light reflection of natural enamel, making them an ideal choice for front teeth and highly visible areas. They blend seamlessly with your smile and provide excellent cosmetic results. Advances in ceramic materials have also improved their strength, allowing them to be used in many areas of the mouth.
Like zirconia, ceramic crowns are metal-free and well-suited for patients seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic restoration.
The Crown Procedure
Getting dental crowns in Greater Akron and Greater Cleveland typically requires two appointments separated by a few weeks. Understanding each step helps you know what to expect and how to prepare.
First Appointment: Preparation and Impression
Your dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area, then shapes the tooth by removing damaged or decayed portions and contouring it to accommodate the crown. The amount removed depends on the crown material—metal crowns require less reduction than porcelain ones.
After shaping, your dentist takes detailed impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions go to a dental lab where technicians craft your custom crown. You’ll also choose your crown shade at this visit, matching it to your neighboring teeth so it blends naturally.
A temporary crown protects your prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made. This temporary restoration looks decent and functions adequately, but it’s not as strong or well-fitting as the final crown. Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods on that side, and be gentle when flossing around it.
Second Appointment: Crown Placement
When your permanent crown returns from the lab—usually in two to three weeks—you come back for final placement. Your dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the tooth thoroughly, and checks the fit and appearance of the new crown. Small adjustments can be made if needed.
Once everything looks right, your dentist cements the crown permanently in place. They check your bite to ensure the crown doesn’t interfere with how your teeth come together, then polish away any excess cement. The process takes about an hour, and you can eat normally as soon as the numbness wears off.
Caring for Your Crown
Crowned teeth need the same daily care as natural ones. Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the crown margins, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. The crown itself can’t get cavities, but the tooth underneath remains vulnerable where the crown meets your natural tooth structure.
Pay attention to the gum line around your crown. Plaque buildup there can cause gum inflammation and decay that compromises the crown’s foundation. Your hygienist shows you proper technique for cleaning around crowns during your regular visits.
Avoid habits that put excessive stress on crowns. Don’t chew ice, bite hard candies, or use your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects both your crowns and natural teeth from excessive wear and cracking.
When Crowns Need Replacement
Most crowns last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer, with excellent care. Eventually, normal wear and tear, changes in your gum line, or new decay around the crown margins may require replacement.
Signs that your crown needs attention include sensitivity around the tooth, pain when biting, visible gaps between the crown and gum line, or a loose-feeling crown. Sometimes the cement holding a crown wears away over time, allowing the crown to wiggle slightly. This needs prompt repair because bacteria can get underneath and cause decay.
Chips in porcelain crowns can sometimes be repaired with bonding material, but large chips or structural damage usually means the crown needs complete replacement. Your dentist evaluates the situation and recommends the most conservative, effective treatment.
Dental Crowns in Greater Akron and Greater Cleveland
Damaged teeth don’t have to mean extraction and replacement. Elegant Dentistry provides custom dental crowns that save your natural teeth while restoring their strength and beauty. Contact the Richfield office to schedule an evaluation and find out how crowns can protect your smile for years to come.
