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Posts for tag: crown

Modern restorations for severely damaged or missing teeth are truly remarkable. Although the type of restoration may differ — dental implant, bridge, or veneer — the end result is a life-like facsimile that matches the shape and color of your natural teeth.
To achieve this result, though, the new crown or veneer requires fabrication in a dental laboratory, a meticulous process that may take a few weeks. In the interim, we often install temporary crowns. These help in a number of ways: because we’ve prepared the teeth for final restoration by removing some of the tooth structure, the temporary crown protects and stabilizes the teeth, reduces sensitivity and helps maintain gum health. Temporary crowns also enable the patient to present a more natural smile while waiting for the permanent restoration.
Temporary crowns are typically manufactured to fit a wide range of patients, similar to an “off-the-rack” suit from a clothing store. In recent years, though, customized “tailored” temporary crowns designed specifically for an individual patient have grown in popularity among dental professionals as well as patients.
In creating a customized temporary crown, we first perform a smile analysis similar to one used for a permanent restoration. After a careful assessment of your mouth, we would then make recommendations about the elements to include in the temporary crown, including shape and color. We would also factor in your desires and concerns into the final design. Working together with the dental laboratory, we would then have the temporary crowns produced and ready to apply as soon as we complete the preparatory work.
Customized temporary crowns also serve another important purpose as a kind of “dress rehearsal” for the permanent restoration. This gives you an opportunity to “try out” the smile you’ll have with the permanent restoration in your daily life. We can then use your experience to make adjustments to the permanent crowns before final production.
While customized temporary crowns involve more effort and expense than the traditional, the benefits are worth the added cost, especially if you’re involved with an extensive “smile makeover” procedure. Not only will you look better while your permanent restoration is under construction, your temporary look will give you added confidence that your future smile is right for you.
If you would like more information on temporary and permanent dental restorations, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Concepts of Temporary Restorations.”

Like the ones worn by kings and queens of old, dental crowns were traditionally made of that most “royal” of metals: solid gold. This style of crown is still going strong after over a hundred years, but recent advances may have stolen some of its luster. Want to learn more about the different materials from which crowns can be made? Read on!
Gold crowns have stood the test of time, and many still consider them the best. Gold is one of the earliest materials to be successfully used for making crowns, and when properly done, it also lasts the longest: over 50 years in some cases. For these and other reasons, many dentists prefer to get gold restorations for their own teeth.
But in recent years, the use of gold crowns has been in decline — especially when the crown is for one of the front teeth. Why? In one word: aesthetics! With the advent of porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, many people have opted to go with these more natural-colored tooth restorations.
PFM restorations have been in use for some four decades. They combine the strength of precious metals (gold or platinum) with the appeal of a finish that appears more like a natural tooth. With proper care, a PFM restoration may have a functional life of around 20 years.
With their pearly luster and semi-translucent sheen, all-porcelain crowns have an incredibly lifelike appearance. Porcelain itself is a glass-like material, which is specially modified to add strength when it's used in dentistry. In the past, there were some problems with brittleness in all-porcelain restorations. Today, newer formulations have been designed to avoid these issues.
High-tech materials that have recently become available to dentistry include a polycrystalline ceramic substance called zirconium dioxide or “Zirconia.” It shows great promise in terms of aesthetics and strength, and is the subject of much ongoing research. One day, it may replace other materials and become the new “gold standard” of crowns.
Depending on the particular situation, one or more of these materials may be considered for your crown.
If you would like more information about crowns, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers” and “Gold or Porcelain Crowns?”

Getting a new crown for a front tooth is a standard procedure performed in thousands of dental offices around the country. But dental patients are sometimes surprised to find that the price of this routine treatment can vary by a substantial amount. What accounts for the difference? The answer tells us a lot about how crowns are made, and the value of aesthetics in dentistry.
Crowns may be made of several different materials. Gold, the most traditional restoration material, makes for a time-tested, functional and durable crown, lasting as long as 50 years. Gold is a precious (and expensive) metal, but considered over the lifetime of the restoration, it's an economical choice. Yet, even for back teeth, it's losing out in popularity to more aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and all-porcelain crowns replicate the look of natural teeth more accurately. The kind of porcelain used in restorations must have special strengtheners added, which enable it to stand up to wear and tear in the mouth. There are different porcelain materials used in dental restoration, each with a different look, quality and longevity. There are also new, high-tech ceramic materials. Each one has advantages and drawbacks, and each one's cost is different.
Besides the material, another large part of a crown's cost is the custom-fabrication of every piece. Since it must match the other teeth in form and function — and often in looks as well — every crown must be made to an individual's exact requirements. This includes the tooth's exact size and shape, its spacing, and (often) its particular color.
Making this happen is a multi-step process. First, a dentist carefully prepares a model of the affected tooth and its neighbors. Then, the fabrication work is normally performed by a highly skilled laboratory technician, at the dentist's direction. Finally, the dentist prepares the tooth for the restoration, performs final adjustments, and attaches the finished crown. When it's done, the restored tooth can be difficult to tell apart from any other.
The level of craftsmanship involved at the dental laboratory can vary — and along with it, the price. Dentists may even choose different technicians based on the quality level they're striving for. All of these factors affect the final cost of the crown, and its value to the patient.
It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is certainly true in the case of dental restorations. The choice of a “best” crown is different for every person — more than one alternative may be available, and each comes with its own price. If you have more questions about your options for a crown restoration, don't hesitate to ask us!
If you would like more information about crowns, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Value of Quality Care,” “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers,” and “Gold or Porcelain Crowns.”
Advance Family Dental Care
Naperville, IL 60563

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Archive:
- 2019
- January (7)
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- Improve Your Smile With Veneers
- 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
- If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
- Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
- How we Treat your Jaw Pain Depends on the Cause
- 2018
- December (7)
- Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
- Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
- What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do for You
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Keep Your Saliva Flowing - Your Oral Health Depends on it
- J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
- Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
- November (6)
- Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
- Cracked Mouth Corners can be Irritating - Here's How to Treat Them
- Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
- TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
- Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- October (8)
- What is Teeth Whitening?
- NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
- Baseball Fan Catches Her Own Knocked-Out Tooth
- 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
- Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
- A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
- Effective Dental Care Depends First on Getting the Big Picture
- The Versatility of Veneers
- September (6)
- Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
- We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
- Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
- Are You in the Know About Dental Crowns? Take our True or False Quiz
- Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
- Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
- August (7)
- Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
- Dental Bonding And Cosmetic Contouring Can Fix Minor Imperfections
- Three Things You May Not Know About Root Canal Treatments
- 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
- Clear Aligners Provide a Less Embarrassing Orthodontic Choice for Teens
- Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
- 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
- July (9)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
- 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
- How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
- Look at the Long-Term Costs When Considering Dental Implants
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
- Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
- June (6)
- The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
- Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
- Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Mercury in Your Silver Fillings
- Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
- May (7)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Remakes Your Smile
- What's Causing Your Throbbing Toothache?
- Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
- Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
- Tooth Loss: A Health Risk for Older Adults
- Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
- Show Off Your Best Possible Smile
- March (6)
- Enhance Your Smile with Dental Veneers
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
- Kris Dunn Is the Latest NBA Player to Injure His Teeth on the Court
- The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
- 2017
- September (6)
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
- Need a Root Canal?
- Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
- Your Next Dental Visit Might Save Your Life - Here's How
- Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- July (5)
- Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
- Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
- You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
- Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Even with Mercury, Dental Amalgam is a Safe Choice for Tooth Filling
- May (6)
- 4 Reasons why Quitting Chewing Tobacco is Good for Your Oral Health
- Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
- Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
- Straighten Your Smile Discreetly
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- April (6)
- Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- What Is Root Canal Therapy?
- Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
- February (6)
- What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
- Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
- Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
- Immediate Dentures Provide You With Teeth While Your Gums Heal
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
- 2016
- November (6)
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
- What Dental Implants Could Do for You
- Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
- Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
- Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
- September (6)
- What You Need To Know About Root Canals
- A "Silent" Disease Gets Recognition
- Bitewing X-Rays Provide Early Detection of Tooth Decay in Back Teeth
- Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
- Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
- Patchy Discolorations on the Tongue Aren't a Cause for Worry
- August (5)
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
- Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
- What Your Toothache Could Be Telling You About Your Smile
- Local Anesthesia Eliminates Pain Completely During Dental Work
- Diet and Lifestyle Choices Key to Dental Health During College Years
- July (7)
- Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
- Straighten Your Teeth Without Hiding Your Smile
- Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
- Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
- Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- June (6)
- Do Your Dentures and Mouth a Favor: Take Them Out at Night
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures To Improve Your Smile
- Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Also Important During Dental Care
- Treating a "Gummy" Smile Starts with Finding out the Cause
- Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
- May (6)
- Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
- Your Teenager may need to Wait on an Implant for a Missing Tooth
- A Straighter Smile Doesn't Mean A Mouth Full Of Metal
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Find Out Why You or Your Partner Snores - it may be Sleep Apnea
- Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
- March (6)
- Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
- Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
- Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- FAQs About Teeth Whitening
- Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
- January (6)
- Dental Implants and Diabetes
- Gaining a New Attractive Smile is More than Achievable
- Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
- How Bonding Can Help Fix Minor Imperfections in Your Smile
- Why Ignoring a Missing Tooth Could Be Bad News For Your Jaw
- Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
- 2015
- December (6)
- Put an End to Bad Oral Habits to Slow the Rate of Tooth Wear
- More Than a new Smile - Dental Implants Help Stop Bone Loss as Well
- Things you Should Know about Oral Cancer
- The Different Parts of a Dental Implant
- Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- July (7)
- Limiting Refined Sugar in Your Diet can Reduce Risk of Tooth Decay
- Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
- There are Various Ways to Treat Sensitivity - Depending on its Cause
- Keep an Eye on your Gums to Catch Disease Early
- How Scaling and Root Planing Saves Teeth?
- Veneers Whiten Teeth in a Snap
- Extracting Wisdom Teeth Now May Prevent Dental Problems Later
- April (7)
- Take a Lesson From Hockey Player Mike Bossy
- How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Smile For the Better
- Bad Breath — Discovering The Causes & Treatments
- Diagnodent Laser Diagnostic Scanning
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
- Are mouthguards important? Just ask Fitness Expert Jillian Michaels
- 2014
- December (6)
- Sugar Substitutes: Sweeter for Tooth Health
- Understanding the Benefits - and Limitations - of Dental Insurance
- Anchorage Devices can add Stability During Orthodontic Treatment
- Cosmetic Dentistry and the Urban Legend
- Your Smile Should Be Your Number One Priority
- Ultrasonic Scalers can Effectively Clean Most Patients' Gum Tissues
- September (7)
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: True or False
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- All-On-4®: The Perfect Solution for Missing Teeth
- Encountering Positive Experiences the Key to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
- Kristi Yamaguchi's Braces Helped Give Her a Winning Smile
- What Cosmetic Option Would Best Improve Your Smile?
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 2013
- December (6)
- The Top 5 Things to Know About Orthodontic Retainers
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Quitting the Smoking Habit Could Vastly Improve Your Dental Health
- Top Three Reasons Invisalign is the Clear Choice in Naperville
- Giuliana Rancic Prepares for Her Son's First Dental Visit
- Assessing and Treating your Risk for Tooth Decay can Prevent Future Occurrences
- October (5)
- Tooth Pain During Pressure Changes Could Be Warning of a Bigger Problem
- New Cone Beam Scanning Surpasses Standard X-Rays for Accuracy and Detail
- How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
- Giving a Knocked Out Tooth a Second Chance
- Oral Piercing Can Lead to Problems With Your Teeth and Gums
- 2012
- November (5)
- End Your Fears and Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
- 7 FAQs About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Stabilizing Your New Smile: Answering Your Questions about Orthodontic Retainers
- TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
- Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
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