Over time, your teeth begin to weaken and may be more susceptible to decay, damage, or discoloration. If your smile isn’t what it used to be, Ryan Zhuoran Zhao, DDS, PhD, and his team at Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, California, may be able to restore your appearance with a crown. For a consultation and to learn more about how crowns can fix your smile issues, call the office at (408) 738-1000 or request an appointment online.
Crowns Q & A
What is a crown?
A crown, also referred to as a cap, serves as a cover to place over a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, and porcelain fused to metal.
To maintain a more natural look, the team at Harmony Smile Dental recommends porcelain crowns, which can be made to match the color of your natural teeth and blend right in.
Am I a good candidate for a crown?
Dr. Zhao determines if you’re a good candidate for a crown after a comprehensive examination. You may need a crown if you have tooth decay that can’t be fixed with a filling. Crowns are also used to repair cracked or damaged teeth.
Dr. Zhao also uses crowns after he completes a root canal to protect and strengthen your natural tooth. Crowns can also be used to replace discolored teeth that don’t respond well to teeth whitening agents.
How long does it take to get a crown?
At Harmony Smile Dental, you may require 2-3 visits to the office for crown placement. At your first visit, the affected tooth is shaped to fit your crown. Once the tooth is shaped, a mold is made, which is used to create your permanent crown.
Before you leave the office, Dr. Zhao places a temporary crown over your shaped tooth until your permanent crown is ready. It can take up to three weeks for your permanent crown to be made.
Once your permanent crown is ready, the team at Harmony Smile Dental has you come back to the office for placement. Your crown is placed over your shaped tooth and secured with a special dental cement.
Your crown is strong and durable and acts just like your natural teeth. With good care, you can expect your crown to retain your beautiful smile for up to 15 years. Dr. Zhao recommends you care for your crown as you would your other teeth, with regular brushing and flossing and visits to the office for your examinations and professional cleanings.
A crown can fix many smile concerns. Call Harmony Smile Dental today at (408) 738-1000 or request an appointment online to learn how a crown may help restore your smile and oral health.
