What is a crown?
A crown is a type of restoration that structurally and aesthetically restores the tooth’s shape and color. A crown is fabricated to fit snug on top of your damaged or weakened natural tooth and creates a sealed, protective and strengthening cover.
Crowns are typically made out of solid high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to high noble metal, or gold.
Why you might need a crown
- Accidental damage resulting in loss of tooth structure
- Broken or worn down teeth
- Old fillings that have broken or fractured
- Pain caused by hairline cracks on the tooth’s chewing surface
- Stained teeth
- Strengthen remaining tooth structure following a root canal
- Correct misaligned teeth
- Create a more aesthetically pleasing smile
See bridges for information about replacing multiple teeth or filling gaps between teeth.
Key benefits
- Replaces missing tooth structure
- Restores function
- Natural appearance
- Improves shape, color, and alignment of the natural teeth
- Enhances smile
- Can restore confidence
Process
Dr. Loukaitis work to ensure a customized outcome for each patient and always schedule an initial consultation before beginning treatment.
Fitting a crown is a three-visit process.
- At your first appointment, your natural tooth will be shaped and contoured and a natural looking temporary crown will be fabricated chairside so you go home with a prototype of what your permanent crown will look like.
- On your second visit, an impression will be taken which will be sent to the lab to create your permanent crown.
- On your final visit, the permanent crown will be fitted and adjusted as needed and then cemented into place.
For more information about crowns, or to make an appointment with Dr. Loukaitis , call our office at (202) 965-0333.
