Front Tooth Crowns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Your Dentist Checks the Tooth

First your dentist looks closely at the tooth. Checks what is happening underneath it. An X-ray may be needed if there is concern about the root or surrounding bone. Because a crown covers the tooth the dentist needs to know that the tooth is healthy enough to support it.

This is also where you talk about how you want the finished tooth to look. Front teeth are visible when you smile, so shade and shape matter more than they would on a tooth.

Is a Crown Actually Needed?

A crown makes sense when the tooth is badly damaged, heavily restored or too weak for a filling. If only a small area needs repair your dentist may suggest an option instead. Personally I think that’s worth asking about. You don’t want to remove natural tooth structure than necessary.

Step 2: The Tooth Gets Prepared

Your dentist numbs the area first. Then a small amount of enamel and other tooth material is shaped away so the crown has room to sit over the tooth without looking bulky.

The dentist then takes an impression or digital scan of your mouth. This gives the lab the information needed to make a crown that fits your tooth and matches your smile.

Step 3: You Get a Crown

You won’t usually leave the office with the prepared tooth exposed. A temporary crown is placed while your permanent one is being made.

It won’t feel like your natural tooth at first. Give it a time. Your bite may feel strange for a day or two and the temporary crown needs some care because it isn’t as strong as the version.

Step 4: The Permanent Crown Is Fitted

Your dentist also checks how your teeth come together when you bite. Small adjustments can be made if the crown feels too high or doesn’t sit comfortably.

• Shade matters more than you might expect especially if the neighboring teeth are natural and already have their color.

• A tiny bite adjustment can make a big difference. You shouldn’t feel like one tooth hits first when you close your mouth.

• If the temporary crown feels loose call the office rather than trying to fix it yourself. It isn’t worth turning a problem into a bigger one.

Step 5: Looking After Your New Crown

Once the permanent crown is bonded into place you can usually return to your routine. Brush it like your teeth and clean around the gumline carefully. The crown itself can’t develop a cavity. The natural tooth underneath it still needs protection.

Front tooth crowns can look very natural when they’re designed well.. After a little while you generally stop thinking about the crown at all. That’s probably the sign that the job was done properly.

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