Dental Crowns – Chelsea, MI

Sadly, crowns can’t be whitened like natural teeth can. No matter what their materials are, their color should remain the same over time.

You see, the whitening process uses bleaching gel. The latter enters your enamel’s pores to remove stains. However, dental crowns don’t have their own pores. That means the gel can’t seep into them and brighten things.

All that said, you needn’t worry too much. Metal-free crowns are lifelike and match your other teeth very well. Plus, you could get teeth whitening before your crown is placed. That approach lets your dental cap blend with your grin’s new shade.

When done by a qualified dentist, dental crown treatment doesn’t hurt. It should actually be a smooth and pain-free process. That way, your smile will get great care without any obstacles.

Crucially, our dentists numb the relevant tooth before they do crown work. (All it takes is a topical anesthetic!) So, your pearly white won’t feel discomfort during the preparation phase. You’ll only sense some slight pressure as our team proceeds.

Of course, you may feel a tad sore after the crown placement. Your newly crowned tooth will likely be sensitive for a few days. Still, this symptom is temporary and fades quickly. Better yet, you can manage the aches with store-bought pain medication.

Only a dentist will know with certainty if a crown needs replacement. (They can take dental X-rays and examine your mouth.) However, some warning signs do show a crown is near its end. These include the following:

Pain Near the Crowned Tooth – If a crowned tooth has decayed, it’ll likely ache. As such, a dentist must remove its crown to treat the underlying cavity. From there, they’ll see if the crown can be reseated or needs replacement.

Crown Instability– At times, a crown can become loose or unstable. You should contact your dentist if you feel such looseness.

A Worsened Appearance – When a crown gets chipped or stained, it looks worse than the rest of your smile. That alone is enough reason to replace it.

Generally, yes – crowns feel similar to your natural teeth. Within a few days of getting one, the cap will be a comfortable part of your mouth.

For one thing, crowns are made from durable materials. They’re thus strong enough to withstand everyday chewing forces. Given that fact, eating with a crown shouldn’t feel strange.

Also, note that each crown is custom-made for the patient. A dentist will even reshape your tooth so the cap fits properly. That being the case, your crown is unlikely to feel awkward or noticeable.

Historically, dentists have relied on amalgam dental crowns because the metallic mixtures used are strong enough to withstand the everyday pressure of biting and chewing. However, thanks to more contemporary technology and materials, today many dentists offer restorations made from durable, tooth-colored materials instead.

Our practice in Chelsea offers traditional dental crowns and CEREC same-day prosthetics made from resilient ceramic that reflects light more naturally like enamel. It can also be customized to resemble the size, shape, and hue of your teeth for beautiful, lifelike results.

Some patients are unsure whether dental crowns are intended to be frequently removed and replaced like dentures. However, these tooth-shaped caps aren’t intended to be removed once they’re cemented in place except by a professional, like one of our providers in Chelsea.

Furthermore, for them to fit correctly, a small amount of enamel must be removed from the underlying tooth. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, which makes this an irreversible change to your smile. With that said, dental crowns not necessarily considered permanent because they tend to wear down over time and might eventually need to be replaced.

Your new prosthetic can enhance your damaged tooth’s appearance and functionality, and it’s only natural to want to take advantage of its many benefits for as long as possible. Fortunately, these restorations often last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years, though it can depend on your individual circumstances.

For instance, metallic dental crowns sometimes last longer, though the difference is often negligible. Meanwhile, if your prosthetic is placed over an injured molar, it might wear down faster due to additional pressure from biting and chewing. Typically, routine maintenance can significantly contribute to its longevity.  

Our team provides covers made from resilient ceramic that are less porous than enamel. Plus, they’re not made of the same organic materials, meaning they won’t develop decay. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible. You must care for them carefully to prevent potential harm.

For example, brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities or gum disease to develop in the underlying tooth, which can destabilize your restoration or cause it to fail. You should also visit our team twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor your condition and catch areas of concern, such as a damaged crown, before they progress.