A smile is the most beautiful thing you have on your face. Individuals who are unhappy about their teeth may find it hard to smile openly. If you’re unhappy about the way your teeth look, you should visit your dentist and he/she might recommend you to get a dental crown as part of your smile makeover.

What Is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is done to fix several dental issues such as gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, missing teeth, discolored teeth, as well as to maintain the balance and harmony among the teeth. It also corrects the smile with orthodontics or maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose of Dental Crowns

Most people know dental crowns are used for structural issues. However, crowns can also be used for aesthetic purposes.

A regular type of dental crown is like a tooth cap that covers the damaged tooth. It functions by holding and shielding the teeth from external damage. It is a permanent restoration because once the crown is placed, only a dentist can remove it.

A dental crown is recommended for a smile makeover when the patient has had a root canal, a chipped or broken tooth, or large fillings. It can survive up to 10 years of use if properly maintained, it should be cared for just like your regular teeth.

Dental Crown Placement

Most of the work to place a dental crown is done in the first appointment. Your dentist numbs your tooth before removing the tooth structure on all sides to shape it. The amount to be trimmed depends on the condition of one’s tooth and the type of dental crown.

After getting the correct shape, the dentist takes impressions of the tooth to make the crown fit perfectly. Technical advancements have brought changes in the field, optical impressions allow the dentist to have a digital image of the tooth instead of traditional physical molds. A color match is also done to match the look of your natural teeth. And then, the impressions are sent to the lab for the crown’s fabrication. Temporary crowns are given for the time being.

A final dental appointment is needed for the placement of the crown. The temporary crown is removed after numbing. Additional adjustments are done and the crown is fitted perfectly over the tooth.

Contact Dr. Angela An, D.D.S. General Dentistry at (415) 291-8668 or schedule an appointment online to visit us at 490 Post St #1020, San Francisco, CA 94102.