How to Get Crowns on My Teeth

Dentists use crowns to cover teeth that are weak, damaged or unsightly. Crowns can strengthen teeth and hold dental bridges in place. For a crown to fit over a tooth, the dentist has to file down the existing tooth to create space. Then he bonds the crown on, which should stay in place for years.

Things You'll Need

• Dentist's fees
• Dental insurance (if applicable)

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify which of your teeth require crowns. Crowns are suitable for teeth that are broken or teeth with enamel that is worn down. If you have a tooth that is an undesirable shape, or one which has a large filling in it that is insecure, then a crown may be suitable. You can also improve the appearance of discolored teeth that will not benefit from bleaching, such as aged teeth.

• 2

  Visit your dentist so she can assess the suitability of crowns for your teeth. She may recommend other options, such as veneers instead of crowns on discolored or misshapen teeth.

• 3

  Discuss the price of the crowns with your dentist and ask her if your dental insurance (if applicable) will cover some, or all, of the cost.

• 4

  Ask the dentist how long the crowns will last and consider whether you will be able to afford to replace them after that time. The lifespan of a crown may be as little as five years.

• 5

  Choose from porcelain, ceramic, metal or porcelain and metal crowns. Metal crowns come in gold or alloys such as palladium or nickel. The metal type lasts longer than other types and are obtrusive visually, but may make practical sense for crowns at the rear of the mouth. Porcelain, resin and ceramic crowns are the same color as natural teeth but are less sturdy than metal crowns. Some crowns have porcelain on the outside but metal on the inside. These are stronger than porcelain alone, but when the gumline recedes with age, the dark line of the metal against the gum may become obvious.

• 6

  Bleach the teeth you do not wish to crown prior to undergoing the crowning procedure if you are sensitive about the color of your teeth. This way you, or your dentist, can choose crowns that are a lighter color to match the bleached teeth rather than a darker color to match the discolored, natural teeth.

• 7

  Undergo an initial procedure in which the dentist prepares your teeth and takes an impression of your mouth to use as a mold for your new crowns. The dentist will then place temporary, non-customized crowns onto your teeth until the next visit.

• 8

  Visit the dentist for a final appointment when she will fit the crowns made especially for your teeth and mouth.