Anterior Dental Crowns

Do you have a cracked, worn down, or weakened front tooth that needs a crown? If your dentist has recommended this procedure to repair a damaged or decaying tooth, you may be wondering what the procedure entails, and how the final look with affect the overall appearance of your smile. William B. Collier Jr DMD, Enterprise, AL’s leading family dentist, says crowns placed on a patient’s front teeth, otherwise known as anterior crowns, are very common, and can help to improve look and function for overall better oral health.
To learn more about anterior dental crowns, take a look at this guide for everything you need to know:
What Are Anterior Dental Crowns?
Anterior dental crowns are tooth-colored “caps” made from composite resin material that
are placed over a patient’s existing front tooth. While similar to crowns that are placed on posterior teeth, anterior crowns take more careful precision to make and place, as they can significantly affect the look of a patient’s smile.
Why Are Anterior Dental Crowns Needed?
You may need an anterior dental crown if one of your front teeth are damaged or decaying.
Most commonly, people with chipped, cracked, broken, decomposing, or injured teeth need anterior dental crowns. Aside from restoring function of the mouth, these crowns also improve aesthetics, providing patients with a seamless smile.
What Does The Procedure Entail?
First, your dentist will prepare your existing tooth for the new crown by carefully filing down its sides and chewing surfaces. Once your tooth is re-shaped, your dentist will make an impression of it. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where you permanent crown will be created. Because anterior crowns are noticeable when you smile, the lab will take careful consideration when shaping and coloring your crown, ensuring it matches perfectly with your other existing teeth.
Once the lab is finished making your permanent crown, you’ll return to your dentist to have the temporary cap removed. With a local anesthetic, your dentist will prenatally attach the new crown to your tooth with dental cement. Once placed, you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth as you normally would. Anterior dental crowns do not affect functionality of the mouth, in fact, they are meant to restore it back to its original
condition.
For more information on anterior dental crowns, give Dr. Collier’s office a call today at [phone]. He, along with this talented dental staff, can teach you more about this dental procedure, and determine if you’re a candidate for one. To see what other dental services are offered at William B. Collier Jr DMD, be sure to also visit this Enterprise family dentistry center’s website.