Cracked or damaged teeth change the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, there is an effective solution to restore your smile - in the form of dental crowns. TCD Madison uses porcelain-made tooth crowns to repair and protect teeth. Porcelain is tooth-colored and enamel-like for a natural-looking restoration. Each tooth is carefully shaped and colored to best match your remaining teeth.
For the best placement of dental crowns in Madison, trust Total Care Dental.
Effective Dental Restoration to Fill Gaps & Repair Teeth With Crowns
There are many reasons for adults to lose their permanent teeth. Trauma to the face from sports, car accidents and falling down can all result in teeth being knocked out. Cavities, gingivitis and other oral hygiene issues can cause roots to weaken and teeth to fall out.
When a tooth becomes damaged or forms a dramatic gap between other teeth, it is vital to have a fix done as soon as you can. Teeth that are cracked or have gaps pose long-term effects on your oral health.
Madison's Total Care Dental uses extreme care in all dental restoration treatments, including crowns for teeth. Porcelain crowns are fabricated by a highly skilled dental technician and permanently bonded to your existing tooth.
Crowns cover the entire surface of a tooth and may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore the functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown. Crowns are needed when teeth are severely worn, fractured or decayed to protect a weak tooth from breaking completely. You may also need porcelain crowns if you clench and grind your teeth, which compromises a tooth’s structure.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace a missing tooth. As the name suggests, a “bridge” is set up between the nearest remaining teeth to support the porcelain crown replacement. Unlike dental implants, the bridge does not directly connect to the gums or replace the root of the tooth. It simply supports the new tooth and keeps it aligned with the surrounding teeth.
Ceramic crowns are a type of dental crown made of ceramic material. Besides being made of ceramic, this type of crown has a slightly opaque and cloudy appearance. Ceramic crowns are stronger than porcelain crowns but thus are more expensive. It can also be difficult to color-match new ceramic crowns to the color of natural teeth compared to porcelain crowns.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are a type of dental crown made of a mixture of porcelain and other materials like zirconia or metal alloys. Porcelain crowns have become popular due to their translucent appearance that closely resembles natural teeth. These kinds of crowns are biocompatible, a requirement for patients allergic to metal. Porcelain crowns for teeth tend to cost less than ceramic crowns but can be more brittle and susceptible to fracturing if not properly cared for.
Dental Crown Benefits
Improve teeth and smile function
Added protection for damaged or weakened teeth
Improved oral function for biting and chewing
Long-term preservation option for teeth
How Dental Crowns Work
Your dentist will examine and prep the tooth that needs to be repaired. You may need x-rays or a mold of your tooth to be taken.
The damaged tooth is reshaped by filing and removing part of the outer layer so the crown can be inserted directly on top.
An impression of your trimmed tooth and the surrounding tooth is made to create the crown.
Your dentist cements the crown into place after fully enclosing the visible area of a tooth lying at or above the gum line.
In some cases, your new crown may require cosmetic inlays or onlays. This is to ensure your new teeth look completely natural. Both inlays and onlays are placed within the grooves between the cusps of a tooth. Onlays can also be placed over the cusp tips as well. Your dentist will tell you which option is best for your circumstance.
Aftercare for crowns
Following proper aftercare guidelines for your new dental crowns can make a difference in helping your new investment last as long as possible. Besides sticking to regular brushing and flossing, there are a few additional precautions you can take to help your new crowns last longer. These include avoiding grinding your teeth, not chewing hard objects like ice, limiting your intake of hard or sticky foods, and reporting any problems you may have to your dentist before they become bigger.
Dental crowns are not suitable for everyone. Certain situations may require other replacements like dental implants or dental bridges. Make sure to check out all teeth replacement options so you are ready for your consultation.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are similar to crowns and bridges but are installed directly into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. As a more expensive and permanent option, implants are known as the most reliable, longest-lasting tooth replacement option. If you need a large number of teeth replaced, we offer Four Life Changing Implants for a complete mouth makeover in one dental appointment.
Dentures
For instances where many or all of your teeth should be replaced, dentures are a viable option. Dentures can be made in partial or full arches and are a removable replacement for teeth and their surrounding tissue. Dentures are generally less expensive than implants.
Dental Bridges
If you want to go the dental crown route but have lost a tooth or need to have a tooth fully removed, dental bridges are an option. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth using artificial teeth supported by dental crowns attached to adjacent teeth. They are a viable option for patients looking to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of their mouth without choosing implants or dentures.
Dental crowns can be a permanent solution to tooth repair, helping restore the health and function of your smile. To best help your dental crowns last, be sure to follow proper aftercare guidelines and practice good oral hygiene.
Dental crowns can bring on a level of mild discomfort and sensitivity after installation is complete. This is only temporary and does not last. If you are concerned with the pain associated with getting dental crowns, speak to your dentist about available sedation methods.
Depending on the material, the cost of a crown can range from $500 to $3,000 per tooth. Porcelain crowns can cost between $800 and $1,400 per tooth whereas metal crowns can cost between $800 and $2,500.
If biting down on your tooth hurts, you most likely have a cracked tooth. If you have a cracked tooth, you should get a restorative procedure to protect it from further damage. Teeth do not heal on their own, so it is important to get these fixed whenever possible.
Paying for Crowns and Bridges with or without Insurance
When you receive dental care from TCD in Madison, there are many ways to pay for treatment. Our dental financial plans guarantee all of our patients are able to receive the care they need for a beautiful, healthy smile. We accept cash, personal check, credit cards, CareCredit, Illumisure, and most major insurance plans. If you are uninsured, we offer a 5% discount when $300 is paid in full before treatment. Our dentists will help you select the best tooth restoration service for your dental health and budget.
Total Care Dental offers multi-level payment options for a variety of dental care services at our Madison, WI location. Enjoy routine checkups, cleanings, x-rays, periodontal preventative care and more without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies that don't value your time or health needs.
Our team of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring patients of all ages feel welcome. At TCD, we treat every patient like a member of our family.