Dental Crowns

Functional, Strong, And Beautiful Dentistry

Dental Crowns Chicago

Dr. Seidman uses the finest materials in creating custom crowns for cosmetic and restorative purposes. For teeth that are damaged or sufficiently decayed, he always chooses natural-looking, tooth-colored crowns. Dental crowns can also be used for purely aesthetic reasons — to change the shape or appearance of the teeth. Whatever the situation, Dr. Seidman has the experience and knowledge to produce superior results. As a teacher of other cosmetic dentists, he knows the ins and outs of this procedure and has the ability to provide each patient with beautiful results.

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a dental crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Dental crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a bright, healthy smile.

Preparing the Tooth and Crown

During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth to be crowned and remove the decay in or around it. The tooth is then resculpted to provide an easy fit for the dental crown. This is a painless procedure that is performed in the dentist’s chair.

An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made dental crowns are created (this usually takes one to two weeks). During this interim period, temporary dental crowns made of an acrylic resin are fitted onto the teeth.

Applying the Crown

On your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary dental crown and fits the permanent dental crown onto the tooth. He or she makes sure the dental crown has the proper look and fit and then cements the crown into place.

Maintaining Your New Crown

The proper dental hygiene for normal teeth should be applied to any new dental crown. Daily brushing and flossing will help to keep the teeth, gums, and crown free from the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Chewing on hard foods such as ice or pistachios should be avoided because over time, they can cause dental crowns to crack or break. Given proper care, crowns can last several decades and may last a lifetime.

If you are interested in learning more about the dental crown procedure or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, please contact cosmetic dentist Sheldon Seidman – serving Chicago, Illinois.