Ever had a tooth that just couldn’t catch a break? Chips, cracks, or wear and tear can take a toll, but that doesn’t mean your smile has to suffer. Dental crowns from Scott Edwards DDS offer a reliable way to restore strength while keeping your teeth looking natural and polished. Dr. Scott Edwards, Dr. Julia Prince, and Dr. Clayton Myers use expertly crafted crowns to protect and enhance teeth—let’s explore how they work, when they’re needed, and why they’re a go-to solution for lasting confidence.
What Exactly Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a perfectly tailored suit for your tooth, designed to fit over a damaged or weakened structure, bringing back strength, function, and a natural appearance. Scott Edwards DDS offers custom crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile while protecting teeth from further harm.
Crowns are a trusted solution for a variety of dental concerns, including:
- Strengthening a tooth with a large filling that lacks enough structure to hold it in place.
- Protecting a weakened or cracked tooth from breaking.
- Restoring a tooth that’s already chipped or fractured.
- Covering a misshapen or severely discolored tooth for a more even smile.
- Securing a dental bridge or completing a dental implant.
No matter the reason, a well-fitted crown provides both functional and cosmetic benefits. Now, let’s explore the different types of crowns and which might be the right fit for you.
Picking the Right Crown
Not all crowns are created equal. The material used can impact durability, appearance, and how well it blends with your natural teeth. At Scott Edwards DDS, Dr. Scott Edwards, Dr. Julia Prince, and Dr. Clayton Myers offer a variety of crown options to fit each patient’s needs.
Here’s a look at the most common crown materials and what makes each one stand out:
Porcelain or Ceramic
These crowns are popular for their natural look and ability to match surrounding teeth. Ideal for front teeth or visible areas, they offer a seamless appearance with durability.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Combining strength with aesthetics, PFM crowns have a metal base for durability while maintaining a natural porcelain exterior.
Gold or Metal Alloys
Known for their longevity, these crowns can handle heavy biting forces, making them a great choice for molars. Though they don’t match natural teeth, they’re a strong and reliable option.
Zirconia
A top choice for those wanting both strength and aesthetics, zirconia crowns are highly durable while still looking natural. They’re resistant to cracks and wear, making them a great long-term solution.
Selecting the right crown depends on factors like placement, function, and personal preference.
Now that we’ve covered materials, let’s walk through what to expect during the crown placement process.
What To Expect When You Get Crowns
Getting a crown isn’t as complex as it might seem—think of it as a step-by-step makeover for your tooth. The team at Scott Edwards DDS uses a streamlined process to make sure your crown not only looks great but also functions just like a natural tooth. Here’s how it works:
- Prepping the Tooth – The damaged or weakened tooth is carefully reshaped to make space for the crown. If needed, a filling material helps reinforce the structure to support the restoration.
- Creating a Custom Fit – A precise impression or digital scan is taken to design a crown that blends seamlessly with your bite and natural teeth.
- Temporary Crown Placement – While your custom crown is being crafted, a temporary one protects the tooth, letting you eat and speak comfortably.
- Final Placement & Bonding – Once your permanent crown is ready, it’s tested for fit, color, and bite alignment before being bonded securely in place.
With advanced materials and expert craftsmanship, your crown is built to last. But keeping it in top shape requires the right care—let’s go over how to make sure your new restoration stays strong for years to come.
Tips for Long-Lasting Crowns
A dental crown is built to last, but like any investment in your smile, it thrives with the right care. Dr. Scott Edwards, Dr. Julia Prince, and Dr. Clayton Myers at Scott Edwards DDS want every patient to get the most out of their restoration, and that starts with simple, everyday habits. Here’s how to keep your crown in great shape:
Stick to a Strong Oral Hygiene Routine
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep plaque from building up around the crown.
Be Mindful of Hard or Sticky Foods
While crowns are durable, biting into hard candies, chewing ice, or pulling on sticky foods can put unnecessary stress on them.
Wear a Nightguard if You Grind Your Teeth
If you clench or grind at night, a custom nightguard can protect both your crown and natural teeth from excess pressure.
Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups
Routine visits to Scott Edwards DDS allow the team to monitor your crown, check your bite, and make sure everything stays in top shape.
By following these steps, your crown can stay strong and look great for years to come. But what if you’re trying to decide between a crown and other dental restorations? Let’s explore how crowns compare to other options.
How Crowns Compare to Other Restorations
Not all dental restorations serve the same purpose. While crowns offer full coverage and strength, other treatments might be more suitable depending on your needs.
- Crowns protect and restore damaged teeth, improving both function and appearance.
- Fillings repair small cavities but may not support severely weakened teeth.
- Veneers enhance front teeth cosmetically but don’t provide structural reinforcement.
- Bridges replace missing teeth, often using crowns to anchor them securely.
- Dental implants replace entire missing teeth, while crowns restore existing tooth structure.
Dr. Scott Edwards, Dr. Julia Prince, and Dr. Clayton Myers carefully evaluate each patient’s needs to recommend the best option. If a crown is the right choice, you can feel confident knowing it will restore strength, function, and a natural look to your tooth—helping you smile with ease for years to come!
Crowning Achievement: A Smile That Lasts!
A well-placed crown brings back confidence in every smile. Dr. Scott Edwards, Dr. Julia Prince, and Dr. Clayton Myers at Scott Edwards DDS craft custom crowns that blend seamlessly, offering strength and natural appeal. Whether fixing damage or enhancing appearance, a crown provides lasting benefits you can count on. Schedule a consultation in East Memphis or Midtown today and let your grin take its rightful throne!