Dental Crowns: A Simple Solution for Damaged or Discolored Teeth

Feb 01, 2025

Sometimes, teeth lose their strength or shine. Whether it’s from an injury, decay, or aging, dental crowns are a dependable solution. They protect damaged teeth while restoring their appearance and function. For many people, a healthy, confident smile is life-changing. It improves not just your looks but also how you feel about yourself every day.

What Are Dental Crowns?

It is like a custom-made “cap” that fits snugly over a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while improving its appearance. Think of it as a shield that protects your tooth while also giving it a fresh, polished look.

Crowns are made from different materials, each serving specific needs:

Zirconia : A very strong, tooth-colored material that works well for both visible teeth and molars. This is the material used most often in our office.
Porcelain or ceramic : Perfect for front teeth because they match your natural tooth color.
Metal crowns : Known for their durability, they’re ideal for molars that handle a lot of chewing.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) : Combines strength and aesthetics, offering the best of both worlds.

A dental crown doesn’t just improve looks—it makes sure your tooth can handle daily tasks like chewing and speaking without trouble.

When Are Dental Crowns Needed?

Dental crowns are incredibly versatile and solve a variety of dental problems. Here’s when they’re the best choice:

Repair cracked, chipped, or broken teeth : Whether it’s from an accident, sports injury, or biting something hard, a crown reinforces and protects the tooth.
Fix severe discoloration : Sometimes, teeth don’t respond to whitening treatments. Crowns cover deep stains and give the tooth a fresh, natural appearance.
Support after a root canal : Root canals save infected teeth, but the tooth can become fragile. A crown adds strength and prevents future damage.
Protect teeth with large fillings : If a filling takes up most of the tooth, a crown ensures it stays intact and doesn’t crack.
Restore dental implants : Implants replace missing teeth, and crowns are placed on top to complete the restoration.

If you’re unsure whether you need a crown, a prosthodontist near you can help evaluate your options.

The Dental Crown Procedure : What to Expect

Getting a dental crown is a straightforward process that typically requires two visits to your dentist. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Consultation: Your local dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and discuss if a crown is the best treatment option for you.
Tooth Preparation: The tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth’s enamel. You’ll receive local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable.
Digital Impressions: After preparation, impressions are taken to create a perfectly fitting crown. Northwest Prosthodontics is a fully digital office, offering highly precise digital impressions in lieu of traditional alginate impressions. This is done immediately following the preparation of the tooth.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is positioned to preserve the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Custom Shading: At Northwest Prosthodontics, we understand that patients do not always perfectly match the tooth colours provided by manufacturers. Part of the VIP patient experience we offer involves custom shading with our in house lab technician at your first appointment. This ensures the most natural looking final result.
Crown Placement: Once the long-term crown is ready, your dentist will fit it, adjust it for comfort, and cement it into place. You’ll leave the clinic with a fully restored tooth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

These are an investment in your oral health and smile. They don’t just look good—they help you live more comfortably. Here are some benefits :

Restore function : You can chew, bite, and speak without discomfort or worry.
Protect weakened teeth : A crown reinforces the tooth, preventing further damage or decay.
Long-lasting results : With good care, crowns can last over a decade—sometimes even longer.
Natural appearance : Modern crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth.
Improve confidence : Damaged or discolored teeth can make you self-conscious.

Crowns give you a smile you’ll feel proud to share.

For anyone considering dental crowns in Calgary, this solution brings both functional and cosmetic benefits that last.

How to Care for Your Dental Crowns

Once your dental crown is in place, proper care ensures it stays strong and looks great. Fortunately, caring for crowns is simple and doesn’t require special products.

Here’s how to keep your crowns in top shape:

Brush twice a day : Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the crown without damaging it.
Floss daily : Pay close attention to the gum line and areas around the crown. A water flosser can also help.
Avoid hard foods : Chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels can crack the crown.
Break bad habits : If you grind or clench your teeth, consider investing in a night guard to shield the crown.
Regular check-ups : Visit your dentist for yearly check-ups and your hygienist every six months for cleanings and to ensure the crown is still secure and healthy.
Bite adjustments when needed : Have your bite assessed and adjusted as needed at your check-up appointments.

Crowns are strong, but a little care goes a long way in helping them last.

Signs you may need a replacement crown:

Pain or sensitivity around the tooth
Visible cracks or chips
A loose or shifting crown

If you notice any of these issues, reach out to a prosthodontist in Calgary. They can assess the crown and recommend the next steps.

Take the First Step Toward a Brighter, Stronger Smile

Dental crowns are a simple, effective solution for restoring damaged or discolored teeth. They bring back both function and confidence, helping you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re ready to amp up your oral health, book an appointment with Northwest Prosthodontics today. A strong, naturallooking smile is just one step away—don’t wait to reclaim it!

Back to Blog