Dental Crowns

If you have a damaged, weakened, or significantly decayed tooth, a dental crown can help restore its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are also commonly used after root canal therapy and as part of dental implant and bridge restorations.

At All Kind Smiles, our team provides custom dental crowns designed to protect your tooth while blending naturally with your smile. If you’ve noticed a change in your dental health or have been told you may need a crown, we’ll help you understand your options and determine the best way to restore your smile.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, sometimes called a “cap,” is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth. Crowns can strengthen and protect teeth that have been weakened by decay, fractures, large fillings, or other damage.

Dental crowns can also be used to restore a tooth following root canal therapy, complete a dental implant, or serve as part of a dental bridge.

Modern crowns are designed to recreate the shape, size, and appearance of a natural tooth while providing the strength needed for everyday biting and chewing.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth needs more protection or restoration than a traditional filling can provide. Common reasons for getting a crown include:

• Protecting a weakened tooth – A crown can help protect a tooth with significant decay, a large filling, or structural damage.
• Restoring a cracked or broken tooth – Crowns can restore strength and function to teeth damaged by fractures or injuries.
• Restoring a tooth after root canal therapy – A crown may be recommended to protect and strengthen a tooth following root canal treatment.
• Improving the appearance of a tooth – In certain situations, a crown can improve the shape, size, or color of a damaged or severely discolored tooth.
• Completing a dental implant – A custom crown can be attached to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
• Supporting a dental bridge – Crowns may be placed on neighboring teeth to support a traditional dental bridge.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Because a crown covers the visible portion of the tooth, it can provide both restorative and cosmetic benefits.

• Restores strength to a damaged or weakened tooth.
• Protects the remaining natural tooth structure.
• Restores comfortable biting and chewing.
• Improves the shape and appearance of a damaged tooth.
• Can be customized to blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
• Provides a durable, long-term restorative solution with proper care.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

The process begins with an examination of the affected tooth. Our team will evaluate the tooth, discuss your treatment options, and determine whether a crown is the appropriate restoration.

If a crown is recommended, the tooth is carefully prepared so the restoration can fit securely over it. An impression or digital scan is then taken and used to create a crown customized for your smile.

A temporary crown may be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent restoration is being created.

Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return to All Kind Smiles so we can evaluate its fit, appearance, and bite. After any necessary adjustments are made, the crown is securely bonded into place.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but their lifespan depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, biting habits, and the health of the underlying tooth.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental exams and cleanings can help protect your crown and the natural tooth beneath it. Avoiding habits such as chewing ice, biting hard objects, or using your teeth to open packages can also help prevent damage.

Dental Crowns in West Allis

If you have a cracked, damaged, weakened, or significantly decayed tooth, a dental crown may help restore your smile and protect your natural tooth from further damage.

The All Kind Smiles team can evaluate your tooth, explain your restorative options, and help you determine whether a dental crown is right for you.

Call All Kind Smiles at (414) 475-0588 to schedule an appointment or visit us at 7020 W. National Ave., Suite 100, West Allis, WI 53214.