Rebuilding Your Smile With Dental Crowns

When we see someone with a very decayed or infected tooth, or one that has become cracked or chipped, we may suggest repair with a crown. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will look at the difference between full and partial crowns, and explains how we create and place them in one day with CAD/CAM technology.

Inlays and Onlays

First, let’s talk about partial crowns. These are great for cases of decay too severe to be addressed with a dental filling, but not serious enough to require a compete dental restoration. Know as inlays and onlays, each is custom-made to ensure a lifelike appearance and comfortable fit. The inlays fit in between the cusps on top of the teeth, while the onlays fit over these cusps.

Full Crowns

A full crown fits over the entire visible portion of each tooth, covering everything above the gum line. They can address serious restorative issues, and also improve the cosmetic aspects of a tooth. For example, placement has been used to repair broken teeth, or fix chipped and cracked ones. We could place them to lengthen worn-down teeth too, or correct misshapen ones too. When people see us with minor tooth loss, we could use them to support and secure a dental bridge, or to restore a single tooth dental implant. Whether partial or full, they have the potential to last for decades to come with proper care and attention, such as daily brushing and flossing and visits for checkups and cleanings every six months.

The CEREC System

In the past, creating and placing them would require between two and three visits, and a period of wearing a temporary one. However, our team uses the CEREC CAD/CAM system, which allows us to create and place them in only one visit! We start by administering a numbing agent and then removing structure from the tooth. We tale detailed images with a digital camera at the end of a thin wand. We combine multiple images to create a 3D model, which is then uploaded into the CEREC milling machine. The machine then mills the finished product. We check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and then place it with a powerful bonding agent.

The system creates them from ceramic, which is a stain-resistant material that mimics the translucent nature of tooth enamel. The material can also be color-matched to blend with your smile! If you have any questions about this system, then please contact our team today.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Offers Custom Restorations

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to prevent issues with your smile. To learn more about repairing oral health issues with a custom-made dental restoration, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.