Restore Your Smile with Custom Dental Crowns in Vero Beach, FL
When it comes to restoring damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed teeth, dental crowns are one of the most effective and natural-looking solutions available. At Vero Beach Dental Care, Dr. Morgan Clay, a trusted dentist in Vero Beach, FL, offers high-quality dental crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth—both in strength and appearance. Whether you’re dealing with cracked enamel, large fillings, or root canal-treated teeth, dental crowns provide lasting protection and aesthetic improvement.
Patients throughout Vero Beach, Gifford, Sebastian, Fort Pierce, and Indian River Shores trust Dr. Clay not only for his clinical skill but also for his compassionate care and attention to detail. If you’re searching for the best dentist in Vero Beach to restore your smile, contact our office by calling (772) 770-2225 and you’ll find a dedicated team and top-tier technology at Vero Beach Dental Care.
Outstanding Dental Care You Can Count On
Patients often feel anxious about undergoing extensive dental work—but at Vero Beach Dental Care, you’re in great hands.
Our long-time patient, Maureen H. shared her experience:
- “It’s absolutely unbelievable how excellent this practice is. From a welcoming receptionist to an outstanding dentist (Dr. Morgan Clay) everyone in the office genuinely treats each patient with respect and care. We have been going to this practice for over 20 years and today I had six crowns across my top front teeth. I was nervous given that this is not a reversible procedure but I didn’t need to be–they look fabulous.”
This level of personalized care and attention to detail is why so many patients consider Dr. Morgan the top dentist in Vero Beach. His dedication to delivering beautiful, functional results continues to build lasting trust and stunning smiles across the Treasure Coast.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or act as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
There are multiple dental issues that a crown can fix. Our Vero Beach dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or severely worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: After a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover the implant and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge, which is used to replace missing teeth.
- Improving the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
Signs You Need Dental Crowns
Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large filling that needs to be replaced
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Protection: They can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Durability: Crowns are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for a variety of dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Crowns can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Vero Beach dentist today to schedule your next appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns, ensuring that each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our Vero Beach dentist will go through your options and recommend the best choice for your dental health.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are made of a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They’re biocompatible and produce a natural, lifelike appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made of gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They’re extremely durable and can withstand heavy biting forces and last a long time. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns are made by fusing a metal base with a porcelain coating, providing the strength of the metal and the aesthetics of the porcelain. They can be used for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of a durable, biocompatible material that is resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are an ideal option for back teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit. This is in contrast to traditional dental crowns, which typically require multiple appointments and the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Planning
- Our dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if there are other treatment options better suited for your oral health.
- X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
First Visit
- Preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
- Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.
Second Visit
- Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the new crown on the tooth to check its fit and color. If everything is acceptable, the tooth is cleaned and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
- Adjustments: Bite adjustments might be made to ensure a proper fit. The dentist may ask you to bite down several times to verify the fit and adjust as necessary.
Aftercare and Follow-up
- It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.
- Aftercare is crucial for the longevity of your crown and your oral health. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of your new crown.
- Avoiding hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (like opening packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your dental crown will depend on various factors such as the material used, oral hygiene routine, and the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to. Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to have a longer lifespan than metal or resin-based crowns.
Getting a dental crown should not be painful as the procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic. Some patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the dental crown placement process. The total time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth can vary depending on the specific case and the dentist’s technique. Your dentist will provide a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Yes, it’s possible to get a dental crown placed in one day using a technology called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology allows the dentist to create and place a custom crown in a single dental visit. The dentist will take digital impressions of the tooth, design the crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then use an in-office milling machine to fabricate the final crown.
Reclaim Your Confidence with a Trusted Vero Beach Dentist
If you’re living with worn, broken, or aesthetically compromised teeth, dental crowns may be the ideal solution to restore your smile’s strength and appearance. At Vero Beach Dental Care, Dr. Morgan provides customized treatment tailored to your needs and goals. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a warm, professional team who prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction.
Join countless patients from Vero Beach, Sebastian, Gifford, and beyond who trust Dr. Morgan as the best dentist in Vero Beach for high-quality restorative care. Schedule your consultation today by calling (772) 770-2225 to experience firsthand why so many consider him the top dentist in Vero Beach, FL.