Dental crowns can be a near-permanent fix to many teeth issues ranging from cracked, damaged, misaligned, cavity-filled, and discolored teeth. Drs. Benjamin, Jacob, and William Harrison in Panama City, FL at Harrison Dental can help you decide if dental crowns are the most ideal option to beautify your smile.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are placed over a damaged, discolored, or mal-formed tooth. They can also be placed over dental implants to improve the appearance and function of someone’s smile. Crowns are made of materials that may include:
- Metals
- Porcelain (the most common)
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Resin
- Ceramics
How Long Does It Take to Get a Crown?
It can depend on whether your dentist has an in-house lab to complete the creation of your crown, but most crowns can take a few weeks or even up to a month to completely install at a dental appointment. First, a mold of your existing tooth must be made using resin, then your crown is formed like a piece of art, and fired if it’s a ceramic or porcelain crown, so that it will be long-lasting. Your existing tooth may be “prepped” for the crown placement, which can sometimes include filing it down so that the crown fits better over the top of the tooth.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 4 to 20 years, depending on how they are made, and the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums. If you treat crowns with care, then they are a solid way to correct common tooth problems, but they’ll last longer if you:
- Brush and floss regularly to protect gum health
- Don’t grind your teeth when sleeping or stressed
- Visit your dentist often to check on the health of your crown
Can I Schedule an Appointment for a Crown Right Away?
If you think dental crowns might help to beautify your existing smile, you don’t need to wait for your regularly scheduled dental cleaning to find out.
To schedule a dental appointment for a brand new smile, contact Dr. Benjamin, Jacob, and William Harrison at Harrison Dental and the surrounding areas in Panama City, FL, at (850) 763-6782. Your best smile is around the corner with a long-lasting dental crown.