Dental Crowns

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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

1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap for a damaged tooth. The crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Our dentists will often recommend porcelain crowns for teeth that are fragile, broken, or discolored.
2. What does the dental crown process involve?
At your first appointment, our dentists will remove enough enamel to allow the dental crown to fit over the tooth. They will then take impressions of your teeth to send to the dental lab.

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.

3. Why would I need a dental crown?
A dental crown may be necessary for a multitude of reasons. Those include:

  • 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.

4. How do I care for my dental crown(s)?
Just like with the rest of your teeth, you will need to stay on top of your oral care. Gently brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. It is also recommended to avoid hard foods as they could damage your crown and if you grind or clench your teeth, to consider integrating a night guard into your bedtime routine.
5. What is a temporary crown?
A temporary dental crown is placed by our dentists while your permanent crown is being crafted in the dental lab. It is placed over the tooth and held in place with an adhesive that can be removed once the permanent version is ready.

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, MI Smiles Grand Rapids at (616) 942-2870, or MI Smiles Ionia at (616) 527-2220 today, or schedule your appointment online.