Dental Crowns
Life happens—and sometimes, so do chipped teeth, cracks, or decay that’s just too big for a filling. That’s where dental crowns in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME come in. At Gentle Dental, we use crowns to restore damaged teeth, strengthen weakened ones, and give your smile a natural, seamless appearance.
Whether you’re dealing with a tooth that’s been through a lot or just want to improve how it looks, a dental crown might be the perfect solution.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is used to restore the shape and functionality of a tooth, as well as protect it. There are several different options available to you for the material of your crown – metal, porcelain, composite resin, and ceramic. Dental crowns are long-lasting and don’t require any special care other than a good oral hygiene routine: brushing and flossing daily!
Crowns are used for a number of reasons, including:
- Protecting a weak or cracked tooth
- Restoring a tooth that’s broken or severely worn down
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Capping a dental implant
- Improving the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth
Think of a crown as both a repair and a makeover—functional, durable, and good-looking.
When Is A Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns are solutions for teeth that are damaged or decayed beyond the repair capabilities of a filling. Some common reasons why a dental crown is necessary include weakened or cracked teeth from decay, broken or worn down teeth, teeth with large fillings due to cavities, teeth that have had root canals, and teeth that are discolored or misshapen. Dental crowns are sometimes also used for holding dental bridges in place and covering dental implants.
The Dental Crown Process: What to Expect
Dental crowns generally take two visits to our dentist office to complete. On your first visit, x-rays will be taken of the tooth and mouth in order to assess the problem. If the tooth needing the crown is at risk for infection due to decay or damage, a root canal procedure may be required before the crown is put on your tooth. If no root canal is needed, the tooth will be filed down in order to create the space needed for the crown to fit over the top of it. After shaping the tooth, an impression will be made which will ensure that the crown will fit correctly and won’t affect your bite. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where the custom crown will be created, and you’ll be given a temporary crown in the meantime. On your second visit to our office, your temporary crown will be removed, and your permanent crown will be put in place using a special dental cement. The crown will then be colored to match the rest of your natural teeth, and just like that you’ll once again have a perfect smile that you can be proud of!
Visit 1: Preparing the Tooth
We start by examining your tooth and removing any decay or old restorations. Then, we shape the tooth to make room for the crown. After that, we take precise impressions so your custom crown fits perfectly. You’ll leave this visit with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being made.Visit 2: Placing the Crown
Once your permanent crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary one and check the fit and color of the new crown. If everything looks and feels just right, we’ll cement it in place—and just like that, your tooth is back in business.
Types of Dental Crowns: Which One Is Right for You?
Not all crowns are created equal. We offer several types of crowns based on your needs, budget, and aesthetic goals.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Best for front teeth, these offer the most natural appearance. They’re color-matched to your existing teeth and are a popular choice for patients who value aesthetics. - Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These combine the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. They’re a great middle-ground option, especially for back teeth where both durability and appearance matter. - All-Metal Crowns (Gold or Other Alloys)
Incredibly strong and long-lasting, metal crowns are typically used on molars that aren’t visible when you smile. They require less tooth structure removal and rarely chip or break. - Zirconia Crowns
Known for their toughness and natural look, zirconia crowns are a modern favorite. They’re metal-free, biocompatible, and ideal for patients who want durability and aesthetics combined.
Not sure which type is right for you? We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your smile and lifestyle.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, most crowns last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer. Just like natural teeth, crowns require good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Avoid using your crowned tooth to open packaging or chew hard objects like ice, and you’ll help extend its life.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
The good news? Crowns don’t require special treatment. Just follow your regular routine:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss carefully around the crown
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
If you notice any pain, looseness, or sensitivity around the crown, give us a call. It’s better to catch minor issues early.
Rebuild Your Smile with Confidence
A damaged tooth doesn’t mean the end of your smile. With a well-crafted dental crown, you can protect your tooth, improve its appearance, and get back to eating, speaking, and smiling with ease. Our family dentistry offices are located in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME! We provide general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry (including dental crowns) to our patients in our southern Maine offices. We believe it’s important for our patients to understand exactly what is going on with their smile, so if you have any questions please feel free to contact us! Give us a call at one of our offices or fill out the contact form on our website. If you’re a new patient, don’t hesitate to fill out the new patient form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Let’s restore your tooth—and your confidence—with a crown made just for you.
