How Dental Crowns Help Your Smile

Although there are no one size fits all solutions when it comes to oral health and cosmetic dental problems, dental crowns come pretty close. As one of the oldest and most versatile restorations available, crowns fix a number of common problems ranging from chipped, cracked, and missing teeth, to permanent stains and discolorations. Dr. Bruce Hanley, a dentist in Arlington, VA, offers cosmetic and general dentistry services.

Fix Your Smile with Dental Crowns in Arlington, VA

Crowns (also known as caps because they cover a damaged tooth) are a solution to dental issues like:

• Extensive tooth decay
• Fractured teeth
• Moderate to severe cracks and breaks

How Dental Crowns Work

If the dentist recommends a crown, the first step is to clean and remove any decay from the tooth and adjust it to fit the crown. An impression will then be taken and sent to an offsite lab where the crown will be rendered. Because the procedure typically requires two appointments, you can wear a temporary crown in the meantime until the permanent restoration is ready. In the second appointment, the permanent crown will be fit and cemented in place.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last

Just like natural teeth, crowns require dedicated care through oral hygiene and follow up visits to the dentist every six months for a check up and professional cleaning. With good oral hygiene and dental care, the average crown can last up to a decade or much longer. Crowns can also replace missing teeth with a dental bridge (bridgework).

Find a Dentist in Arlington, VA

A healthier and more attractive smile is just a phone call away. For more information about dental crowns and other cosmetic dentistry options, contact our office by calling 703-524-7100 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hanley today.