Do Dental Crowns Stain Or Discolor Over Time?

Porcelain and ceramic crowns resist staining better than natural teeth. Though coffee, tea, and tobacco can gradually dull their appearance. Metal crowns don’t stain but stay visibly metallic. Keeping up with oral hygiene and routine visits to our office goes a long way in maintaining your crown.

Dental Crowns in Washington, DC

Q: Do I Need A Temporary Crown While Waiting For My Permanent One?

Once your tooth is prepared, the dentist will fit you with a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being prepared. So, avoid hard or sticky foods, as temporary restorations are more prone to damage.

Q: What Happens During My First Dental Crown Appointment?

At your first visit our dentist will examine your tooth closely and shape it for a temporary restoration. Digital impressions will also be taken for permanent crowns. Your second visit will be about fitting the permanent crown.

Q: Can A Dental Crown Fall Off, And What Should I Do If It Does?

Yes, crowns can loosen or fall off. If this occurs, keep it carefully and avoid chewing on that side. Visit our clinic as soon as possible. In many cases, the crown can simply be re-cemented rather than replaced entirely.

Q: Is There An Age Requirement For Getting A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns have no age limits. Each case is considered individually by our dentists. Crowns can be used to treat decayed baby teeth in children and to protect damaged teeth in adults.

When a tooth becomes damaged, worn, or weakened by decay, a simple filling is not always enough to restore it. A dental crown can bring that tooth back to its natural shape, strength, and appearance so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again. At Precision Smile Dentistry in Washington, DC, we craft custom dental crowns that protect compromised teeth and blend in beautifully with the rest of your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that is secured to a compromised tooth to protect or fix it. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, and the right type depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, your budget, and how much durability you need. Crowns on the back molars may be a silver or gold color, since they are hard to see from a normal distance, while crowns on the front teeth can be specially designed to look just like a natural tooth.

Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown

There are many reasons our dentists may recommend a crown. Common uses include:

Protecting a tooth from further decay
Holding together a cracked tooth
Restoring a worn down tooth
Concealing a tooth with a large filling
Keeping a dental bridge in place
Fixing discolored teeth
Covering a dental implant
Protecting a tooth that has had a root canal

Types of Dental Crowns

Traditional

A traditional crown covers the entire tooth. It is typically used when a tooth is so compromised that a smaller restoration will not cover the amount of decay present. Traditional crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and how well they are maintained.

Onlay or Three Quarter Crown

An onlay, also called a three quarter crown, only covers part of the tooth rather than the whole thing. This is a good option for less severe cases where the tooth structure is still solid. Onlays can last up to 10 years when properly maintained.

Dental Crown Materials

Metal

Metal crowns are often preferred because they are the most durable and long lasting of all the materials. They are not easily hidden, since the gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium color stands out from the rest of the teeth, so they are best suited for teeth in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain

Porcelain crowns are far less visible because they can be color matched to blend in with your teeth. They are also a good choice for people with nickel allergies or sensitivities. Porcelain is ideal for front teeth thanks to its natural look, though it is less durable and can wear down the surrounding teeth over time.

Porcelain Fused

This option combines the durability of metal crowns with the natural appearance of porcelain. It is not quite as strong or long lasting as full metal, but it looks much more seamless in the mouth.

Pressed Ceramic

These crowns are capped with porcelain for a natural look, while the hard inner core of pressed ceramic makes them more durable than all porcelain crowns.

Resin

Resin crowns are the most budget friendly option. They wear down over time and will most likely need to be repaired or replaced sooner than the other materials.

Why Choose Precision Smile Dentistry in Washington, DC

At Precision Smile Dentistry, your crown is designed and placed by experienced dentists who care about both the health and the appearance of your smile.

Dr. Fahd Yousaf, the founder of Precision Smile Dentistry, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors from Howard University right here in Washington, DC. He has completed advanced continuing education in general dentistry, dental implants, and clear aligner therapy, which allows him to offer comprehensive restorative care using the latest techniques and technology in modern dentistry.

Our associate dentist, Dr. Soong, earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed advanced residency training at the University of Chicago NorthShore Hospitals, where she cared for medically complex patients. She pursues continuing education every year to make sure her patients receive the best possible care.

Our practice is equipped with advanced 3D dental technology and an in house digital lab, which lets our team design and craft precise, natural looking restorations with a high level of accuracy. That means a crown that fits comfortably, functions well, and matches your surrounding teeth.

What to Expect During Your Crown Treatment

At your first visit, our dentist will examine the tooth closely and shape it to prepare it for a crown. Digital impressions are taken so your permanent crown can be crafted to fit precisely. To protect the prepared tooth in the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. During this period, it is best to avoid hard or sticky foods, since temporary restorations are more prone to damage.

At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and your custom permanent crown is fitted and secured in place. Once it is in, your dentist will check your bite and make any small adjustments so the crown feels natural and comfortable.

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation

A dental crown is an investment in your tooth and your overall oral health. If you have a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth, our Washington, DC team can help you decide on the best material, type, and treatment plan for your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a temporary crown while waiting for my permanent one?

Yes. Once your tooth is prepared, our dentist will fit you with a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made. Try to avoid hard or sticky foods during this time, since temporary restorations are more prone to damage.

What happens during my first dental crown appointment?

At your first visit, our dentist will examine your tooth closely and shape it for a temporary restoration. Digital impressions are then taken for your permanent crown. Your second visit is focused on fitting the permanent crown.

Can a dental crown fall off, and what should I do if it does?

Yes, crowns can loosen or come off. If this happens, keep the crown in a safe place and avoid chewing on that side. Visit our office as soon as possible. In many cases the crown can simply be secured back in place rather than replaced entirely.

Is there an age requirement for getting a dental crown?

Dental crowns have no age limits. Every case is considered individually by our dentists. Crowns can be used to treat decayed baby teeth in children and to protect damaged teeth in adults.