Smile Makeover Astoria

Crowns & Caps

Crown It Up: All You Need To Know About Dental Crowns & Caps

Discover the Best Dental Crowns in Astoria for Your Smile

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, sometimes extra help is needed. If your tooth is damaged, a dental crown could be the perfect solution. Located in Astoria, New York, our dental office provides quality dental crowns to restore your smile. You deserve a strong and healthy smile, and we are here to help you get it.

What is a Dental Crown?

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A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It helps to protect the tooth and restore its shape. Crowns can be made from different dental materials, such as metal, porcelain, or a mix of both. They are custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly.

Getting a dental crown can help with many dental restoration options. You might need a crown if your tooth is:

  • Cracked: A crack can weaken the tooth.
  • Cavity-filled: If a filling is too big, a crown may be better.
  • Worn down: Teeth can wear down over time.
  • Discolored: A crown can improve the look of a tooth.
  • After root canal therapy: Crowns protect the tooth after a root canal.

Knowing when you need a crown is important. If you have any of these issues, talking to our dental specialist in Astoria can help you decide if a dental crown is right for you. Our doctor can also help you understand the tooth restoration process that may be needed, including various restorative techniques.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns we Offer in our Astoria Office

We offer several types of dental crowns. Each type has its own benefits. Here are the options you can choose from:

  1. Metal Crowns: Metal crowns are strong and durable, and less likely to break. They're good for back teeth. This is especially true for gold crowns, which are very strong.
  2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): PFM crowns are the best of both worlds. They're strong and looks natural, and are great for both front and back teeth. The metal interior provides support and durability, while the outer layer of porcelain ensures a lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
  3. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: Because of their aesthetic appeal these crowns are often used for front teeth and cosmetic procedures. They look the most natural and are good for those with metal allergies. These crowns are not only highly durable but also provide a translucent quality that mimics the look of natural tooth enamel.
  4. Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a strong and durable ceramic material, making zirconia crowns an excellent choice for back teeth or situations where extra strength is needed, such as when restoring implant-supported teeth.

Comparison of Dental Crown Types

Here’s a quick look at the different types of crowns we offer:

Type Strength Appearance Best For
Metal Crowns Very strong Silver or gold Back teeth
PFM Crowns Strong Natural-looking Front or back teeth
All-Ceramic Crowns Good Very natural Front teeth
Zirconia Crowns Very strong Natural-looking Front and back teeth

Choosing the right type of crown can help you feel more confident about your smile improvement. Our team will guide you through the options based on your needs, including how each type can fit into your overall treatment plan.

The Crown Procedure: What to Expect

Getting a dental crown is a simple dental procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

  1. Crown Consultation: Your first visit will include a discussion with our dental specialist. You’ll talk about your dental concerns, and the dentist will examine your tooth. This is also a good time for a dental assessment to check your overall oral cavity health.
  2. Preparation: If a crown is needed, the dentist will prepare your tooth. This might involve removing some of the tooth’s outer layer to make room for the crown. This step is known as crown preparation.
  3. Impressions: After preparing your tooth, the dentist will take impressions. This helps to create a custom crown that fits your tooth perfectly.
  4. Temporary Crown: While your permanent crown is being made, you might get a temporary crown. This will protect your tooth until the final crown is ready.
  5. Crown Fabrication: Your permanent crown will be made in a dental laboratory. The dental materials used will be chosen based on your needs and preferences.
  6. Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, you will come back for another visit. The dentist will carefully place the crown on your tooth and make sure it fits well.
  7. Crown Adjustment: After placement, a crown adjustment may be necessary to ensure your bite feels right. This is important for proper tooth alignment.
  8. Final Check: The dentist will check your bite adjustment to make sure everything feels right. If needed, small adjustments can be made. This is important for proper tooth alignment.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Taking care of your dental crowns is important for keeping your smile bright. Here are some tips:

  • Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day and be gentle around the crown.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food stuck around the crown.
  • Avoid Hard Foods: Try not to bite down on hard foods, as they can damage the crown.
  • Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental checkups are key for maintaining your oral health. During these visits, your dentist may recommend dental x-rays to monitor the health of your crowns and surrounding teeth.

Aftercare is essential for your crowns. Caring for your crown will help it last longer and keep your smile looking great. Regular crown maintenance is essential to ensure your dental work remains in good condition. This is especially important if you have had other cosmetic procedures or are considering a full mouth restoration. Post-operative care is crucial to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

When You May Need a Dental Crown

You might wonder when you should consider getting a dental crown. Here are some signs:

  • Pain: If you have pain in a tooth that does not go away, it could need a crown.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, that’s a sign of trouble.
  • Visible Damage: Cracks or chips in your tooth can mean you need a crown.
  • Big Fillings: If your filling is large and the tooth is weak, a crown can help.

If you notice any of these signs, and live in Queens New York, talk to our dental specialist in Astoria about dental crowns. You may also need to consider other procedures like tooth extractions or implant restorations if the damage is severe. In some cases, a post and core may be needed to support the crown. This is part of the tooth restoration process that ensures your artificial tooth functions well. If you experience crown failure, it may be necessary to discuss crown replacement options with your dentist.

If you have dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options to help you feel more comfortable during your procedure. Your comfort is our priority, and we want you to feel relaxed while receiving care.

Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns in Astoria?

Choosing a dentist can be tough. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us for dental crowns:

  • Experience: Our team has years of experience in providing quality dental care.
  • Personal Care: You are not just a number. We care about your dental hygiene and your comfort.
  • Modern Technology: We use the latest dental technology to ensure the best results for our patients.
  • Affordable Options: We offer various payment plans to help make dental care accessible, including information about crown cost.

Your smile is important to us. We want you to feel great about your dental care. We also provide patient education to help you understand your dental needs better.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you are looking for dental crowns in Astoria, we are here for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call our office to set up a consultation. We can help you understand your options and get the care you need.

Contact Us

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation , call us at (718) 400-4400, or visit us at 31-57 Steinway St., Queens, NY 11103 today! Our friendly team is waiting to help you achieve a healthy smile.

Additional Dental Services We Offer

Along with dental crowns, our Astoria office provides other services to help you maintain your dental health. Here are some of the additional services we offer:

For more details on our services, visit our service pages. We also offer preventive care to help you avoid future dental issues, including managing periodontal disease, which can affect your overall oral health.

Taking care of your teeth is essential. If you have a damaged tooth and live in Queens, New York, dental crowns can restore your smile. Our team is ready to assist you with friendly service and expert care. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to schedule a dentist appointment. Your bright, healthy smile is just a visit away!

If you have questions, check out our dental crown FAQ below for more information. We also encourage you to read dental crown testimonials from our satisfied patients. If you ever find yourself in need of urgent care, remember we also provide emergency dentist services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental crowns and why might I need one?

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Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made restorations that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They're designed to protect, strengthen, and improve the appearance of your natural teeth.

You might need a dental crown if you have a severely damaged, cracked, or worn-down tooth. Crowns can also be used to support a dental bridge, replace a large filling, or enhance the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.

How are dental crowns made?

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The process of creating a dental crown involves several steps. Our team will first prepare your tooth by removing some enamel and taking an impression. This impression is sent to a lab, where skilled technicians craft your custom crown using materials like porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal.

Once your permanent crown is ready, we'll ensure it fits perfectly and matches the color of your existing teeth before cementing it into place. In the meantime, you'll wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

What are the different types of dental crowns?

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There are several types of dental crowns available, each with its own advantages:

  • Metal Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength and durability, metal crowns are an excellent choice for back teeth but may not be the best option for front teeth due to their visible metallic appearance.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain, providing a durable and lifelike restoration.
  • All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer unmatched aesthetics and are an excellent choice for front teeth. They're highly durable and provide a translucent quality that mimics the look of natural tooth enamel.
  • Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a type of ceramic material known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for back teeth or when a high level of strength is required.

How long do dental crowns last?

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The lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on factors such as the type of material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the amount of force placed on the crown during chewing. With proper care, a well-made dental crown can last for decades.

To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and attending regular professional cleanings and exams. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, as these habits can damage your crown.

What is the difference between dental caps, inlays, and onlays?

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Dental caps, also known as inlays or onlays, are restorations used to repair damage to the chewing surface of a tooth. Unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire visible portion of a tooth, dental caps only cover the damaged area, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Inlays and onlays differ in the amount of coverage they provide:

  • Inlays: Inlays are used when the damage is isolated to one or two grooves (fissures) on a tooth's surface. They fit within the biting surface of the tooth.
  • Onlays: Onlays are used when the damage affects more than just the fissures, extending onto one or more cusps (points) of the tooth. They cover multiple grooves and cusps but do not extend down the sides of the tooth like a full crown would.

What is the process for receiving a dental cap?

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The process for receiving a dental cap is similar to that of getting a dental crown. Our team will first prepare your tooth by removing any decay and taking an impression. This impression will be sent to a lab, where your custom cap will be crafted using materials like porcelain or composite resin.

Once your permanent cap is ready, we'll ensure it fits perfectly and matches the color of your existing teeth before bonding it into place. You may wear a temporary cap during the creation process to protect your tooth.

What are dental bridges, and when might I need one?

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A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth (pontic) between two crowns that are placed on the adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges help distribute forces evenly across the bridge, ensuring its longevity and stability.

You might need a dental bridge if you're missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or extraction. Bridges can help restore your smile, improve chewing function, and prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.

What is involved in the process for receiving a dental bridge?

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The process for receiving a dental bridge involves several steps:

  1. Consultation: Our team will examine your mouth and discuss your treatment options with you. We'll take X-rays and possibly a CT scan to assess the health of your surrounding teeth and determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you.
  2. Preparation: We'll prepare the adjacent supporting teeth by removing some enamel and taking impressions of your mouth. These impressions will be used to create your custom bridge in a lab.
  3. Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being crafted, we'll place a temporary bridge over your prepared teeth to protect them and maintain their shape.
  4. Placement: Once your permanent bridge is ready, we'll ensure it fits perfectly and makes proper contact with adjacent teeth. We may need to make minor adjustments for the best possible fit. After ensuring the fit, we'll cement the bridge into place using a special dental adhesive.

How do I care for my new dental crown or bridge?

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Caring for your new dental crown or bridge is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are some tips:

  • Brush and Floss Regularly: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the area where your dental crown or bridge meets your gumline.
  • Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: While dental crowns and bridges are strong, they can still be damaged by biting down on hard objects like ice or nuts. Opt for softer foods when possible to protect your investment.
  • Wear a Mouthguard During Sports: If you're an athlete, wearing a custom-made mouthguard can help protect your dental crown (and the rest of your teeth) from injury during physical activities.
  • Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular professional cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining your oral health and detecting any potential issues with your dental crown or bridge early on. Don't skip out on these important appointments!

What is the future of dental crowns & caps?

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The world of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new materials and technologies emerging all the time. When it comes to dental crowns and caps, we're seeing some exciting advancements that promise to improve their durability, aesthetics, and ease of placement.

One area of growth is in the development of CAD/CAM technology, which allows dentists to create custom dental restorations right in their office using 3D imaging and computer-aided design software. This not only streamlines the crown-making process but also ensures a precise fit and exceptional aesthetics.

Another exciting trend is the use of advanced materials like lithium disilicate and zirconia, which offer unmatched strength and durability while maintaining a natural-looking appearance. As these materials continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative dental restorations that blend seamlessly with our existing teeth.