Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns in New Lenox, IL
If you have a tooth that is weakened, broken, or severely decayed, you might feel hesitant to smile or find it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. Elite Smiles of New Lenox offers dental crowns to restore smiles in New Lenox, IL. A custom dental crown is one of the most reliable and aesthetic ways to protect your natural tooth while restoring its original shape, size, and function. Our team is here to guide you through a gentle, informative process that puts your comfort and long-term oral health first.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Often referred to as a “cap,” a dental crown is a custom-fitted restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. Unlike a filling, which replaces only a small part of the tooth structure, a crown acts as a protective shield. It is designed to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing while looking indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Whether you need a dental crown for functional reasons or as part of a cosmetic makeover, our goal is to provide a seamless result that feels completely natural in your mouth.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Our dentists typically recommend a dental crown treatment when a tooth is too damaged to be supported by a standard filling. You might be a candidate for a crown if you are experiencing:
- Extensive Decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling to stay secure.
- Fractured or Cracked Teeth: To hold the tooth together and prevent further breakage.
- Post-Root Canal Protection: Teeth often become brittle after a root canal and require a crown for reinforcement.
- Worn Down Teeth: To restore height to teeth shortened by grinding.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: To cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth for a beautiful, uniform look.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
We understand that dental visits can feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize a transparent and calming dental crown procedure. Typically, the process involves two comfortable visits:
- Preparation: During your first visit, we gently prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface so the crown fits perfectly. We then take precise impressions to ensure your custom restoration matches your bite.
- Temporary Crown: While our lab crafts your permanent restoration, we place a temporary crown to keep your tooth safe and functional.
- Final Placement: Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return to our office. We will check the fit, shade, and your bite alignment before permanently bonding it into place. You’ll leave our office with a restored smile and renewed confidence.
Types of Dental Crowns
Our dental team offers various types of dental crowns to suit your clinical needs and aesthetic preferences. These include:
- Porcelain or Ceramic: These are the most popular for front teeth as they can be perfectly color-matched to your natural enamel.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Offers a balance of strength and aesthetics, often used for back teeth that endure heavy biting forces.
- Gold and Metal Alloys: Known for their extreme durability and longevity, these are excellent options for molars where visibility is low.
- Zirconia: A modern, high-strength material that provides both incredible durability and a natural appearance.
Specialized Care: Pediatric Dental Crowns
Children sometimes require extra protection for their primary teeth if they suffer from significant decay or injury. We offer pediatric dental crowns designed specifically for smaller mouths. Protecting a primary tooth is vital because it holds the space for permanent teeth to emerge correctly, ensuring your child’s oral development stays on track in a supportive, kid-friendly environment.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Choosing a dental crown is an investment in the longevity of your smile. Key benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Crowns protect sensitive underlying nerves from exposure.
- Durability: With proper care, a high-quality crown can last for a decade or longer.
- Improved Function: You can eat and speak without worrying about a weak tooth failing.
- Aesthetic Harmony: We ensure your crown blends perfectly with your surrounding teeth.
Before & After Gallery
We invite you to view our dental crowns before and after gallery to see how we have helped our patients regain their smiles. From repairing single broken teeth to full-mouth restorations, the transformations highlight our commitment to excellence and artistry in restorative dentistry. We know seeing is believing.
Navigating Dental Insurance for Crowns
We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile without financial stress. If you are concerned about the cost, most dental insurance for crowns covers a significant portion of the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary. Our office team is happy to perform a complimentary benefits check and help you understand your coverage. For any remaining balance, we offer flexible financing options to fit your budget.
Why Choose Elite Smiles of New Lenox?
Elite Smiles of New Lenox offers complete dental services for families. We combine advanced technology with a gentle touch to ensure your experience is as pleasant as the result. From the moment you walk through our doors, our priority is your comfort and the health of your smile. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Your comfort is our top priority. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely during the preparation phase, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. Most patients report only minor sensitivity for a day or two after the procedure.
Care for it just like a natural tooth! Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings will keep the crown and the underlying tooth healthy for years to come.
On average, crowns last between 10 and 15 years, though many last much longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups.