Smile Makeovers 101: Getting Dental Crowns in Redwood City

Transforming your smile can change more than just your appearance. It can also boost your confidence and improve your oral health. Dental crowns are among the most versatile solutions in modern dentistry, ranking as one of the most common restorative dental procedures with 2.3 million crowns placed annually. 

Whether you're considering crowns for structural support or cosmetic enhancement, understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about your dental care. Continue reading to explore everything you need to know about how dental crowns can be a cornerstone of your smile makeover and where to find a dentist who provides the best dental crowns in Redwood City.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged tooth, restoring both its function and appearance. They’re designed to fit perfectly over your existing tooth structure and provide protection while matching the color and shape of your natural teeth. 

Dentists usually recommend crowns in several situations:

• When you have large cavities that dental fillings can't adequately repair
• When teeth are cracked or broken from a dental injury
• After root canal treatment, teeth become fragile

They're also excellent options for cosmetic enhancement by transforming discolored, misshapen, or worn teeth into bright, properly aligned ones. 

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns come in several materials, each offering different benefits for specific situations in your mouth: 

• Porcelain and ceramic crowns closely mimic the translucent quality of natural teeth, making them the preferred choice for front teeth where appearance matters most. 
• For molars and premolars that handle the heavy forces of chewing, stronger materials like zirconia and metal alloys provide superior durability and longevity. 
• Metal crowns, typically made from gold or other alloys, are extremely resistant to wear but have a distinctive appearance. 
• Many patients choose porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which combine the strength of a metal base with the natural look of porcelain coating. However, these may show a thin metal line near the gumline over time. 

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth's location, your budget, and whether appearance or strength is your primary concern.

How Is a Dental Crown Placed?

Getting a dental crown traditionally involves two visits to your dentist. During your first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing tooth decay and reshaping it to create space for the crown. They then take dental impressions of your mouth, which are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is crafted. This process typically takes one to two weeks. To protect your tooth in the meantime, the dentist places a temporary crown that shields the tooth but isn't designed for long-term use. 

At your second visit, this temporary crown is removed, and your permanent crown is carefully positioned, adjusted for proper bite alignment, and cemented into place. Some dental offices now offer advanced dental technology, called computer-aided design (CAD/CAM), which enables same-day crowns. With this technology, digital scanning replaces traditional impressions, and your permanent crown is milled right in the office while you wait, eliminating the need for temporaries and follow-up appointments.

How Long Can Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are a durable investment in your smile, typically lasting between 10 and 15 years. With excellent oral care, many patients enjoy their crowns for 20 years or more. The lifespan of your crown depends significantly on several factors: 

• The material used to make your crown
• Your daily oral hygiene routine
• Certain lifestyle habits that can stress dental work

To maximize your crown's longevity, dentists recommend:

• Thorough brushing and flossing around the crown area
• Avoiding biting tough foods like ice or hard candy
• Wearing a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth during sleep
• Attending regular dental checkups every six months so your dentist can spot early signs of wear and check that the margins remain sealed against bacteria 

Are Dental Crowns Right for My Smile Makeover?

Dental crowns offer a versatile solution for transforming your smile, particularly when you need to address teeth that are significantly damaged, worn down, or misshapen. 

Unlike veneers, which cover only the front surface, crowns encase the entire visible portion of your tooth, making them ideal for teeth that need both structural reinforcement and cosmetic improvement. Many comprehensive smile makeovers strategically combine crowns with other treatments, such as veneers for minimally damaged front teeth, professional whitening for natural teeth, and implants to replace missing teeth for a complete smile transformation. 

Before committing to crowns, schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your aesthetic goals, budget, and oral health needs. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, possibly take dental X-rays, and help you understand whether crowns are the right solution for specific teeth or if alternative treatments might better achieve your desired results while preserving more natural tooth structure.

Looking for the Best Dental Crowns in Redwood City?

At Redwood City Dentistry, we combine advanced technology with a personalized touch to create dental crowns that feel natural and last for years. Our dedicated team of dentists takes time to understand your needs, whether you're restoring a single tooth or planning a full smile makeover. 

We use high-quality materials and precise techniques to ensure your crown fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. From digital impressions to careful bite adjustments, we focus on the details that make a big difference in your experience and your results. 

Ready to start your smile makeover journey with a dentist in Redwood City who prioritizes your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health?