Dr. Amy Marckese, a restorative dentist in Indianapolis, IN, prefers porcelain dental crowns for the most natural look and feel. Porcelain dental crowns are extremely well-fitting and virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Dental crowns, also called dental caps or teeth caps, strengthen teeth, improving their function and overall esthetics. They are similar to porcelain veneers. Where porcelain veneers conceal only the front of a tooth, dental crowns cover the entire tooth like a cap. This enables crowns to improve both the appearance and strength of teeth.
Dr. Amy Marckese of DentalSpa in Indianapolis prefers porcelain dental crowns for the most natural look and feel. These crowns are extremely well-fitting and virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Once considered less durable than metal crowns on teeth, porcelain crowns have shown excellent long-term results with proper treatment planning. In addition, metal-free dental crowns do not discolor the gum area like conventional metal dental caps. This is particularly important for teeth in the smile zone.
Studies have shown that amalgam fillings and metal crowns do not pose any health risks. However, many patients prefer metal-free dental fillings and crowns to ensure their mouths are healthy and beautiful.
Dr. Marckese also provides dental bridges to replace one or several lost teeth. Using the latest dental materials, your dental bridge is custom-made and color-matched to blend naturally with your smile. Dental bridges can be removable or fixed, often secured by dental implants for the best possible result.
Our Patients Say It Best
I couldn’t have been more at ease while getting my first dental crown ever. I was numbed to perfection and felt no pain, just slight pressure. Relaxing in the massage chair while receiving a foot massage and paraffin hand wax treatment as well. I was cozy under a nice fleece blanket, watching daytime talk shows. Leaving with my free fruit smoothie, I truly felt like I was leaving a spa….minus the numb cheek.
– Anonymous Patient, January
Dental Crowns at DentalSpa
Dental crowns are among the most common dental treatments today. They offer cosmetic and restorative solutions for patients with various dental concerns.
Dental crowns can also be used to fix cracked teeth and crooked teeth, as well as other flaws:
- Replace worn or unsightly metal fillings
- Improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth
- Correct misshapen or uneven teeth
- Restore tooth cavities or cover teeth after root canal therapy
- Repair cracked, worn, or broken teeth
- Restore dental implants
If you have old, broken, or worn dental crowns, you may be able to have them replaced with a new porcelain crown. Replacing dental crowns is a simple procedure that dramatically improves the smile’s appearance.
The Dental Crown Procedure: CEREC Crowns in One Visit
Initial Consultation & Examination – You will receive a comprehensive consultation and examination with Dr. Marckese regardless of your treatment. During this visit, she will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth and determine if porcelain dental crowns suit you. Next, she will create a customized treatment plan to meet your cosmetic goals and address your health concerns.
Modeling – Dr. Marckese will fully explain your treatment and answer any questions you might have. You can view photos of other patients undergoing porcelain veneer treatment. She may use 2-D and 3-D renditions to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment.
Procedure: CEREC crowns are very strong, high-grade ceramic crowns. They are made quickly and easily, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment. Dr. Marckese will begin treatment by preparing the tooth for the dental crown. Next, she will take a precise digital impression of your tooth using a 3D imaging system. These digital impressions are more accurate, less messy, less gaggy, and less invasive than traditional impressions.
We send the digital scan to the CEREC milling machine, which mills your crown right here in our office. Before cementing your crown, Dr. Marckese will check its fit, shape, and color. Once that is verified, the crown will be permanently cemented, and you will be on your way with your freshly made smoothie in hand!
After Care – Dental crowns require very little special care. Dr. Marckese will review the instructions and show you how to floss and brush properly. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are important to ensure long-term health and proper fit. Crowns are highly stain-resistant and will look bright for years to come.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns can treat almost any cosmetic or restorative dental issue. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are built to last and, on average, last around 15 years. If you are vigilant about dental maintenance and cleanings, dental crowns have been known to last 25 years or longer.
Is it painful to have a dental crown put in?
To prevent the pain associated with putting in a dental crown, your tooth will be numbed using a local anesthetic of lidocaine shot into the gums surrounding the tooth. After the procedure, you may experience soreness and sensitivity in the gums around the tooth once the anesthesia has worn off. The pain following is usually mild and will not last long.
Can I get a cavity under a crown?
If not properly maintained, plaque buildup can cause the tooth under the crown to decay. If left untreated, a new cavity can form, leading to the need for a crown replacement.
How do I keep my crown white?
Keep your crown healthy and clean, and maintain the surrounding teeth. Your dental crown cannot stain, but the surrounding teeth can. To keep your smile looking its best, brush your teeth twice daily and floss to help prevent staining or plaque buildup.
How long does it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?
After about two weeks, your bridge should feel normal to speak and chew. We advise patients to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks during this time, as they may cause sensitivity.
How long does it take for gums to heal after bridge?
After we place a bridge, it takes about 8-12 weeks for your guns to heal fully. It is not abnormal to experience gum sensitivity or irritation during this time. Your body is in the process of adjusting to its new bridge.
Dental Bridges at DentalSpa
A dental bridge bridges a gap between teeth to replace one or more missing teeth. While there are many dental bridges, Dr. Amy Marckese prefers a fixed one for the best long-term results.
Removable Dental Bridge vs. Fixed Dental Bridge
We provide two different kinds of dental bridges. At your consultation, we’ll help you determine the best choice for your needs.
Removable Dental Bridge
We only recommend a removable dental bridge if you need a short-term solution, such as maintaining tooth position while preparing for a fixed dental bridge or dental implant. Removable dental bridges are not a good long-term solution, and while they may be cost-effective initially, they frequently require replacement or repair down the road.
Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth connected to two dental crowns or implants. A dental bridge supported by dental implants offers better long-term benefits compared to supporting the bridge with a dental crown. Dr. Marckese will help you decide which treatment is right for you and offer the best long-term solution and esthetics.
Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge
Compared to a dental bridge, a dental implant provides superior long-term results. Dental implants are arguably the best solution for replacing teeth because they are the closest thing to a natural tooth. Most people forget they have a dental implant.
Though they are considered an expensive, major surgical procedure, dental implants are an extremely conservative solution. Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and will require little to no cost for follow-up maintenance.