A dental crown (sometimes called a “tooth cap” by our patients) covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Our Cascade and Grand Haven dentists may recommend porcelain crowns for teeth that are fragile, broken, or discolored.
Dental Crown Process
During your first appointment, our dentist will remove enough enamel so the dental crown will fit over the tooth. Next, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. Since it takes a few weeks for your porcelain crown to be made, your dentist will place a temporary crown in its place. That way, your teeth and gums will be protected while you wait for the lab.
A dental crown may be needed to:
- Strengthen a tooth with a large filling
- Restore a fragile tooth
- Restore a broken tooth
- Support a dental bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover tooth discoloration
- Cover a misshapen tooth
A few weeks later, you’ll return to our office to have your temporary crown replaced with the permanent one. Before placing your permanent dental crown, our dentist will check the fit, size, and color. Once our dentist is satisfied with how your tooth crown looks, it will be cemented in place.
Dental Crowns FAQ
It will take a few weeks to craft the dental crown so a temporary crown will be placed in the meantime. This ensures that your teeth and gums will be protected while you wait. When the permanent crown is ready, it will be cemented in place.
- A tooth with a large filling needs to be strengthened.
- A fragile or broken tooth needs to be restored.
- A dental bridge needs to be supported.
- A dental implant, tooth discoloration, or misshapen tooth needs to be covered.
Learn More
Our West Michigan family dentists provide quality dental care to patients of all ages. With five convenient West Michigan locations, we have the capability of handling all of your family's dental needs. Call MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven at (616) 842-1188, MI Smiles Dental Cascade at (616) 974-4990, MI Smiles Comstock Park at (616) 784-3515, or MI Smiles Grand Rapids at (616) 942-2870 today, or schedule your appointment online.