Dental crowns are used to protect and restore severely damaged, weakened, or misshapen teeth. They also support a dental bridge or cover a tooth that needs a large filling.
When a patient requires a crown, we first administer anesthesia to the affected tooth. Then, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing the decayed and damaged sections. An impression is then taken to serve as the mold for your personalized dental crown Baltimore Maryland.
Porcelain Crowns
Known as caps, porcelain crowns are an effective treatment for damaged teeth. They strengthen the affected teeth and enhance your smile’s aesthetics. This restorative treatment can prevent the need for more extensive treatments such as root canals or extractions.
Our porcelain crowns are made of tooth-colored dental porcelain to blend in with your other natural teeth. They also strengthen the teeth or dental implants that they’re covering and protect them from additional decay.
We’re proud to offer two different types of porcelain crowns: metal-fused-to-porcelain and all-porcelain CAD/CAM crowns. The latter use an advanced process that minimizes the amount of tooth structure required, which can lead to a stronger and more resilient crown.
While both kinds of porcelain crowns are durable, they can sometimes chip. Small chips can be repaired with composite resin, while more severe damage may require a porcelain crown replacement. We recommend avoiding hard or chewy foods and using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth after receiving your new porcelain crown.
Metal-Free Crowns
Metal-free crowns are typically made from a composite or ceramic material that closely matches the natural tooth color and can even be stained for a more natural appearance. These crowns offer similar durability to traditional metal crowns and do not tend to fracture or break easily. They are also a more conservative option that requires less of the natural tooth to be removed for preparation.
Additionally, these crowns are biocompatible and more likely to be comfortable for patients with sensitivities or allergies that may occur with traditional metal crowns. The ceramic materials are translucent and mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing crown.
Non-metal crowns also help to prevent the black line or discoloration that can appear around the gum line of metal crowns. These dental crown Baltimore Maryland is a great alternative for patients who cannot tolerate metal restorations and also work well as a permanent solution for teeth that need to be reinforced or protected after root canal therapy.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made covers designed to fit over the front surface of a tooth. They are a popular cosmetic treatment for restoring teeth with minor damage, changing their shape or color, and closing small gaps between teeth. Because veneers are translucent, they mimic the look of natural teeth. They are also resistant to staining, making them a great choice for improving the appearance of discolored teeth.
When bonded to the teeth, they are virtually undetectable. They can close spaces between teeth, correct the appearance of chipped or worn teeth, and lengthen shortened teeth that have become shorter with age. They can also improve the appearance of crooked teeth, making them appear straighter.
Porcelain veneers can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments like teeth whitening or dental crowns to enhance your smile. They are an affordable option for many patients, and some dental clinics offer monthly payment plans to make this cosmetic treatment more accessible.
Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
A dental inlay or onlay is a type of restorative procedure used to repair moderate to severe tooth decay, and to replace older, broken, or cracked fillings. They are a more substantial reconstruction than composite resin fillings, but also less invasive & more durable than dental crown Baltimore Maryland.
Traditionally, onlays & inlays were made from gold but today most patients choose porcelain due to its strong & tooth-like color. They are particularly well suited for molars because of their strength and ductility, which provides resistance to heavy occlusal forces.
Inlays & onlays fit inside the grooves & cusp tips of a damaged tooth, unlike composite resin fillings which are bonded to the surface of the tooth. They can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth, and with proper care, they can last 10-20 years. Ceramic onlays & inlays are more durable than composite resin and are especially effective for larger restorations & areas that receive significant chewing pressure.