What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental Crowns in Greater St. Louis are custom-made covers placed over a tooth to restore shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are crafted from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys to ensure longevity and a natural look. Crowns completely encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, offering protection while enhancing your smile’s aesthetics.
How Dental Crowns Work
Dental crowns are an essential solution for a wide range of dental issues. They are often used to:
- Protect and restore teeth weakened by large fillings or decay
- Prevent further damage to cracked or chipped teeth
- Cover and complete a dental implant
- Improve the appearance of stained or misshapen teeth
Due to their versatility, dental crowns have become indispensable in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They allow patients to regain full functionality and confidence in their smiles.
How Are Dental Crowns Applied?
The process for receiving dental crowns in the St. Louis area typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, your tooth will be prepared by removing any decay or damage. Once reshaped, digital impressions are taken to ensure your crown is perfectly crafted to fit. While your permanent crown is being created in a professional dental lab, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth.
On your second visit, we’ll carefully place and bond the permanent crown to your tooth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. We’ll also check the alignment and appearance to ensure it blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. The result is a restored tooth that functions and looks just like a natural one.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Proper care of your dental crowns will extend their lifespan and keep your smile healthy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain good oral hygiene
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that might damage the crown
- Schedule regular dental checkups for cleaning and maintenance
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth during sleep
At Gateway Little Smiles, we are committed to educating our patients on the best practices for maintaining their oral health and ensuring the longevity of their dental crowns.
Why Are Dental Crowns Important?
Dental crowns do more than enhance the appearance of teeth. They play a vital role in protecting and strengthening dental structures. By promptly addressing weakened or damaged teeth, crowns help prevent further complications, such as tooth loss or infection. Furthermore, crowns can boost confidence for many patients by restoring a natural, radiant smile.
Choose Gateway Little Smiles for Dental Crowns in Greater St. Louis
Gateway Little Smiles strives to make every dental visit comfortable, convenient, and pleasant for the whole family. We proudly offer cutting-edge dental technology for accurate and efficient treatment planning, including digital X-rays. For financial flexibility, we partner with CareCredit to make high-quality care accessible to all our patients.
Our office is designed to create a welcoming environment with amenities like streaming services during exams, headphones, toys for children, and even a gumball machine with exciting prizes. Dr. Corey Hastings provides expert care at all of our locations, and in Collinsville, you’ll also meet Dr. Ashley, who is dedicated to offering personalized, compassionate service in your community.
If you’re considering dental crowns in Greater St. Louis, schedule an appointment with us today to learn how we can restore your smile with care and precision!
