Dental crowns are placed for several reasons, such as concealing imperfections or replacing missing teeth in conjunction with a dental implant. One of the most important reasons for placing dental crowns is strengthening damaged teeth. Teeth can become worn down and weak over time. Biting, chewing and other tooth functions can become painful and difficult when teeth are damaged. Dental crowns can correct this problem. At Briar Pointe Dentistry, Dr. Neil Blavin is your Novi, MI dentist for the placement of dental crowns.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that cover problem teeth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, and look like a natural tooth once installed. Dental crowns are custom made for each patient from a cast or mold of the patient’s teeth. Once the custom dental crown has been created, it is cemented in place permanently and should last for several years with proper care and good oral hygiene habits. Your Novi dentist can help you decide if dental crowns are right for you.

As mentioned, dental crowns can be placed for a variety of reasons. In some cases, dental crowns are used to conceal various imperfections, such as discolorations or cracks on teeth. Dental crowns also serve as replacements for missing teeth when placed in conjunction with a dental implant. They can also be used to hold dental bridges securely in place. Finally, dental crowns can strengthen teeth that have become damaged due to decay or wear and tear. Teeth that have decayed to the point of requiring a root canal often benefit from a dental crown.

Strengthening Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns strengthen damaged teeth and restore normal tooth functioning. Teeth that have lost enamel or become worn down over time tend to be weaker than healthy teeth. Regular functions, such as biting and chewing, can be painful when teeth are weak or damaged. Since dental crowns completely encase weakened teeth, those teeth are sealed and protected from further damage and deterioration. The crown then absorbs the impact of biting and chewing, while also strengthening the damaged tooth so that it can function normally once again.

Dental crowns serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. In addition to concealing a variety of cosmetic dental concerns, dental crowns also strengthen damaged teeth and restore normal tooth functioning. To learn more about how dental crowns can strengthen your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Blavin, your Novi, MI dentist, by calling Briar Pointe Dentistry at (248) 347-0030.

Weakened or damaged teeth can cause complex dental problems which could result in an extraction. However, protecting your compromised teeth with dental crowns can preserve the structural integrity of your teeth. This versatile dental restoration alongside your Novi, MI dentist’s expertise can improve both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. Learn more about dental crowns with Dr. Neil Blavin at Briar Pointe Dentistry.

How do dental crowns work? 
A dental crown fits over a tooth to protect it, prevent damage, or improve its appearance. A dental laboratory creates the dental crown especially for your mouth based on a mold taken by your dentist. Crowns usually last at least 10 years with the proper care before requiring replacement. Before placing a crown, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing small amounts of enamel from the sides and top. This forms the tooth into the correct shape to fit inside the dental crown, ensuring a solid bond between your natural tooth and the crown.

What can dental crowns do for me? 
Crowns are multifaceted and can perform many functions. Dentists most often use crowns to achieve the following:

• stabilize a tooth with a large filling
• strengthen a tooth weakened by decay or trauma
• restore the biting surface of a worn down tooth
• replace a missing tooth in conjunction with a dental implant
• hold a dental bridge in place

Types of Dental Crowns in Novi, MI 
There are three types of dental crowns: metal, porcelain, and a mix of metal and porcelain. All three types are suitable to repair your damaged or weakened tooth. While metal crowns are generally more affordable than porcelain, metal or metal mix crowns are not tooth-colored, making a porcelain crown the best choice to blend in with your smile.

For more information on dental crowns, please contact Dr. Neil Blavin at Briar Pointe Dentistry in Novi, MI. Call (248) 347-0030 to speak with an associate about scheduling your appointment with Dr. Blavin.