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What Is the Process for a Dental Crown on Upper Front Teeth?

A dental crown, or cap, fits over a damaged, weak or badly shaped tooth, improving its strength and appearance. Porcelain crowns are typically used on front teeth because they have a natural appearance. The crown procedure usually requires two dental visits.

  1. First Visit

    • The dentist will take X-rays of your upper front teeth to be sure a root canal is not needed. Once he determines your teeth are healthy, he will prepare them for crowns by reducing them in size with a drill. He will then take an impression of the filed teeth and send it off to a lab. Temporary caps are fitted at the first visit. You will also choose the color of your permanent caps.

    Second Visit

    • During your second visit, the temporary caps are removed. Your dentist will check the fit and color of the permanent crowns. If everything is fine, she will use a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and cement the permanent caps into place.

    Lifespan

    • Dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years. The lifespan of a crown depends on your oral hygiene habits, other oral habits such as whether you grind your teeth or bite your nails, and the general wear-and-tear placed on the crown.

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