Modern dentistry has come a long way. Now, restorations can completely cover a tooth in a ceramic material that matches natural teeth. Emerging technological advances in porcelain and advanced techniques from master ceramists are allowing crowns that look real to be created. We welcome you to view our Before & After Gallery. You will see dozens of actual patients, many of whom have had crowns placed.
Our esteemed dentist, Dr. Fondriest, photographed each patient. Dental crowns that look real are truly a real thing. Beyond offering natural looking results, crowns can provide a wide range of oral health benefits.
Our office offers three types of dental crowns: all porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all metal.
- All porcelain crowns: This option is the most cosmetically pleasing. Porcelain (ceramic crowns) very closely matches the color and shine of enamel. The material even wears at the same rate as enamel. This option blends closely with adjacent teeth. Porcelain also tends to be highly biocompatible, meaning that your natural teeth and gums will not react with the material.
- PFM: This option is commonly found on the market today. The results can be quite beautiful. PFM does a great job of protecting the underlying tooth. The metal support gives added strength compared to just porcelain crowns.
- Metal: As you can imagine, a metal substructure is pretty much indestructible. This option is ideal for covering molars. Individuals who grind their teeth may also need this option. Gold crowns are the most biocompatible of the metals and usually fit better. These less attractive metal crowns are usually used in the back of the mouth.
Do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns give your teeth a second lease on life. The option can even restore a front tooth. Following treatment for tooth decay, your tooth may be left vulnerable. Removing decayed tooth structure can weaken a tooth. Once decayed material has been removed, your tooth may be at risk of further decay or damage.
Crowns that look real can place a protective barrier between your treated tooth and the outside environment. In many cases, this can spare your tooth from being extracted.
Root canal infection is another reason that you may need a dental crown. Once bacteria reaches the inner chamber of your tooth, the infection can spread quickly. Root canal treatments remove the infection. The treatments also require that the top of a tooth is removed.
Following root canal treatment, your tooth can be fitted with a crown that protects your tooth from further injury.
Crowns that look real can address teeth that are:
- Small
- Misshapen
- Crooked
- Gapped
- Discolored
- Worn
Crowns can address cosmetic issues with your front teeth. Many of our patients think that veneers or cosmetic bonding are the only options for front facing teeth. One reason why well made front tooth crowns can address such a wide range of dental problems is that crowns are incredibly natural looking.
If you are interested in further benefits, a dental implant (for a missing tooth) can support all types of crowns, including composite crowns.
How to make crowns that look real
There are two parts to the dental crown fabrication process that make the caps look real. One factor is the material. Porcelain very closely resembles enamel. The durable material shows natural wear patterns that mimic enamel wearing. Porcelain also has reflective properties that are similar to enamel. Dr. Fondriest will work very closely with a master ceramist to ensure that the features of your crown blend well with your smile.
The advanced milling machine used to make your crown will recreate the natural curves and dips of your tooth. This is how our office is able to make crowns that look real. If you have porcelain fused to metal, only the porcelain will be visible along your gum line.
Gum disease is the leading cause of gum tissue recession. Good oral hygiene habits and regular cleanings can ensure that your gums remain healthy. Overly aggressive brushing can also damage gum tissue. To prevent this, we recommend that our patients only use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
How will my crown be placed?
Your natural-looking crown will be placed through multiple visits to our office. If you have a crown placed for the first time, your tooth will need to be prepared. This step involves removing natural tooth structure. Dr. Fondriest will use local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout this process.
Once your tooth has been prepped, detailed images of your treated tooth will be made. This step ensures that your crown fits comfortably and looks natural. The size of adjacent teeth will be taken into consideration.
The measurements will be sent to a trusted lab that will make your crown. When the cap arrives back at our office, Dr. Fondriest will ensure that it is a great fit. Once you are completely satisfied with the results, the crown is will be attached using a strong cement that can last many years.
Maintaining your crown is easy. The porcelain or metal cap is strong, but it can become loosened if not taken care of. Maintaining good oral health and protecting your crown from impacts or hard objects that could dislodge it will ensure that you enjoy your restoration for many years.
Learn how you can get crowns that look real
A crown placed at our dental practice can last for well over a decade. Patients with good hygiene are able to keep their original crown for upwards of 30 years. Dr. Fondriest brings decades of experience placing crowns that look real. We can wait to restore your beautiful smile with crowns that look real, whether for restorative or cosmetic dentistry reasons.