Crowns offer an excellent solution if you're concerned about a flaw in your smile or want to stabilize a damaged tooth. Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh explains how you can improve your smile with a crown.

What are crowns?

Crowns are made of durable porcelain and look just like natural teeth. They're hollow inside, which allows them to fit over your teeth easily. Dental technicians create your new crown using an impression of your mouth made in our Huntsville office. Before the impression is made, the tooth is reduced in size slightly. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, you'll wear a temporary crown. Your permanent crown is attached to your tooth with dental cement after a few minor adjustments are made.

Are crowns a good choice for me?

You may benefit from a crown if:

• You don't like the way your tooth looks: Crowns are often used to completely change the appearance of a tooth. They offer an excellent solution if you want to improve the appearance of a twisted or crooked tooth or would like to conceal a discolored tooth.
• You had a root canal: Crowns are usually recommended if you've had a root canal. Although root canal therapy saves your tooth, removing the pulp in the center of the tooth weakens it. Crowns add strength and stability, protecting your tooth from cracks or fractures.
• Your tooth is cracked: Constant pressure from chewing and biting can eventually cause cracked teeth to fracture. When you top your tooth with a crown, the restoration absorbs the biting forces and protects the tooth underneath.
• Your tooth is fractured: Fractured teeth can be easily restored with crowns. Adding a crown not only improves your appearance but makes eating easier.
• Your tooth is too short: Has one of your teeth always been shorter than surrounding teeth? A crown offers a simple way to extend it. Crowns are also a good choice if your teeth have become shorter due to grinding while you sleep.
• You lost a tooth: Crowns anchor dental bridges used to replace missing teeth and are also added to dental implants. A dental implant bonds to your jawbone and acts as a replacement root. The addition of a crown to the top of the implant restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth.

Crowns protect and improve your smile. Call Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh at (256) 536-3386 to schedule an appointment.

Are you ready to learn more about what these restorations could do to enhance your smile?

Dentistry has certainly come a long way over the centuries. We can do everything from brightening smiles to replace missing teeth. Despite all the amazing advancements in technology, there are still some restorations that stand the test of time. The appearance, function and materials may change, but the overall idea remains the same. From the office of our Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh, learn more about these tried-and-true restorations.

Crowns and bridges can work together or separately. You may need a dental crown if you are faced with a damaged tooth. Teeth that become cracked, chipped or broken could sustain more damage or become weaker over time. They need something to cover it to protect it. This is where a crown comes in. A crown is made to look just like a real tooth and can even be made from tooth-colored materials so that no one will even know you have a restoration.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace missing teeth. This restoration will actually use crowns to support the bridge and secure it into place. The crowns and bridge will be made from impressions taken of your mouth. Once the dental lab has created these restorations you will come back in so your Huntsville, AL, general dentist can fit you with your new dental work.

If you are getting a dental bridge the crowns will be cemented over the teeth that surround the gap. Before you get your bridge we will need to assess the overall health of your smile to make sure those teeth are strong enough to support dental crowns and a bridge. Once the crowns are cemented into place the false teeth are then bonded in between the crowns.

While we would love for any dental restoration to last a lifetime, at some point you will have to have your crowns and dental bridge replaced. This is why it’s important that you continue to follow up with us every six months for routine exams to make sure your restoration is still healthy. We will also provide you with a list of ways to care for your new restoration so that it can last you a long time.

Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, is dedicated to improving and restoring your smile. Whether you require cosmetic changes or full-reconstructive treatments, we are here to give you a healthy smile that lasts. Call our office today.