Dental Crowns

dental crown patientRestoring Tooth Function With Dental Crowns

Dental crowns completely cover the entire part of the tooth that shows above the gum line and are used to restore both the appearance and functioning of an unhealthy tooth. Also known as a “cap,” a crown is used when tooth decay is too extensive to be covered with a filling, or when a large filling requires too much tooth removal and has weakened its structure. Crowns can also restore cracked or broken teeth, build up the structure of worn-down teeth, or protect and strengthen a tooth that has been treated with a root canal procedure.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be constructed from several types of materials, including metals, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, which consists of a strong metal substructure that is overlaid with porcelain. While metal crowns are very durable, they are unsightly in appearance and are often only used on baby teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can sometimes show the underlying metal, especially along the gum line, so placing them on the front teeth is not ideal. For optimal cosmetic appeal, Dr. Engleberg uses all-porcelain crowns to restore teeth to their former brilliance. Using his state-of-the-art ShadeVision ® system, he will create crowns to match your natural teeth so well that they will look like they were made by Mother Nature, not a dental lab.

Dental Crown Placement in the Chicago Area

To place a crown, Dr. Engelberg will first remove any decay present and shape your tooth to make room for your porcelain restoration, taking great care to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Next, an impression will be made so that Dr. Engelberg’s skilled ceramists can construct a crown that fits your mouth and blends in perfectly with your other teeth. He will give you a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown is made. At your next appointment, he will bond your artfully-constructed crown to your tooth, ensuring that it fits well and meets properly with opposing teeth when you bite.

For exceptional restorative and cosmetic dental care including dental crowns in Arlington Heights, contact Dr. Brent Engelberg today. We serve patients from Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Palatine, Wheeling, Barrington, and the surrounding areas.