Dental crowns, also known as caps, are lifesavers when it comes to preserving damaged teeth. A crown is most often used to protect a cracked tooth or restore the functionality of a tooth with excessive decay; it also serves to improve the shape, size, strength and appearance of the affected area. In the Houston area, no office specializes in this cosmetic dentistry procedure more effectively than Dr. Mehta and his qualified staff.

The objective of a dental crown is to cap or encase the damaged area with a customized material that will perform as a shield for the needy tooth. There are three predominant restorative materials used in producing a full crown: metal, all-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The type of crown utilized during your procedure will depend on your unique needs and goals, as well as the aesthetic demands, strength requirements, material durability and restorative space available. Dr. Mehta will gladly offer his expertise as to which type of crown is best suited for your unique dental condition.

Although their metallic color makes them an unattractive choice for highly visible teeth, metal crowns can be an ideal option for repairing decayed or damaged back teeth. They are extremely durable and can be applied with less removal of the natural tooth than all-ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal options. This type may consist of gold alloy, nickel alloy or chromium alloy.
All-ceramic crowns may be made of porcelain, resins or dental ceramic materials. They create an extremely natural-looking appearance and are typically used on front teeth. The tooth-colored ceramic material is translucent, like the enamel of your natural teeth, and size and shade can be carefully matched to complement the rest of your smile.

Dental crowns made of porcelain-fused-to-metal are stronger than all-ceramic versions and more aesthetically pleasing than those made of metal. However, their metal shell gives them an opaque appearance. Because they lack the reflective quality of natural teeth, these crowns are not as discreet as the all-ceramic kind.
The dental crown procedure is typically completed in two simple stages. During your first visit, the unnecessary portions of your damaged tooth’s structure are removed to accommodate the impending crown. An impression is made and sent to the lab, where your crown is created in about two weeks. A temporary crown will be put in place between visits to ensure the most natural look and feel. When your personal dental crown is completed, the temporary is removed and your new, custom crown is securely bonded in place.

A consultation with Dr. Mehta and his professional team is just a phone call away. In the greater Houston area, there isn’t a more skilled office to have your dental crown procedure completed.