Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may be used to… • Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining • Protect a weak tooth from fracturing • Restore a fractured tooth • Attach a bridge • Cover a dental implant • Cover a discolored or poorly-shaped tooth • Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Crowns and veneers are used to achieve optimal esthetic outcomes. They can be effectively used to correct teeth that are discolored, misshapen, worn, or even misaligned. Veneers require less tooth reduction than crowns, but each can provide the same level of esthetics. The deciding factor on which option is best to achieve your smile makeover is determined by the overall health of the teeth to be addressed.
Achieving a successful smile makeover begins with careful planning. Impressions are made from the teeth to be treated and models are then built with idealized shapes and positions for teeth. The actual teeth are then shaped to allow for crown or veneer placement, and temporary crowns/veneers are cemented into place according to he pre-planned models. Finally, permanent crowns/veneers are fabricated and cemented into place resulting in your beautiful new smile!
Crowns are often used to correct functional issues as well. When teeth fracture, crack, or have large failing fillings, or extreme tooth wear, crowns are the option of choice for restoring the tooth back to like-natural function. While they also provide beautiful esthetics, crowns are used frequently to save severely damaged teeth.
"So kind and considerate! I often get nervous about dental care but the team here is wonderful and I always leave feeling better about my oral health! "
A dental crown, often referred to as a "cap," is a custom-fitted restoration that entirely covers a damaged or compromised tooth. At Advanced Brookline Dental, Dr. Laura Galiazzo recommends crowns to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of your natural tooth. Crowns are versatile solutions often used to replace large fillings when there isn't enough remaining tooth structure, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore already fractured teeth, or cover teeth that have undergone root canal therapy. Additionally, crowns can be used cosmetically to cover discolored or poorly shaped teeth, or as anchors for dental bridges. Our goal is to provide a restoration that not only strengthens your bite but also blends seamlessly with your smile.
While both dental crowns and veneers are used to achieve beautiful esthetic outcomes—correcting discoloration, misshapen teeth, or misalignment—the primary difference lies in how much of the natural tooth is covered and how much preparation is required. Veneers generally require less tooth reduction and are thin shells placed only on the front surface of the tooth. Crowns, however, encase the entire visible portion of the tooth. The decision between the two is determined by the overall health of the tooth; if a tooth has significant structural damage, decay, or a large failing filling, Dr. Galiazzo will likely recommend a crown to provide necessary structural reinforcement and functional improvement, whereas veneers are typically reserved for primarily cosmetic enhancements on healthy teeth.
Getting a dental crown at our Brookline practice is a carefully planned, two-step process designed to ensure comfort and precision. First, Dr. Galiazzo will shape the tooth to allow for the crown's placement and take detailed impressions. These impressions are used to build models with idealized shapes and positions for your bite. During this first visit, a temporary crown is cemented into place to protect your tooth while your permanent restoration is being fabricated. At your second visit, we remove the temporary crown and permanently cement your final custom-made crown. We utilize modern dental technology to ensure efficient, gentle treatments, resulting in a beautiful new smile that feels natural and functions perfectly.
Yes, dental crowns are frequently the option of choice for saving severely damaged teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. When a tooth fractures, cracks, or suffers from extreme wear or large failing fillings, its structural integrity is compromised. A crown acts as a protective helmet, holding the tooth together and distributing bite forces evenly to prevent further damage. By placing a crown, Dr. Galiazzo can restore the tooth back to its like-natural function. This allows you to chew comfortably and maintain your natural tooth root, which is always preferable for long-term oral health. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have a broken tooth, we offer emergency dental appointments to address the issue promptly.
Absolutely. Advanced Brookline Dental is proud to serve patients from Brookline, Newton, Boston, Cambridge, and the Greater Boston Area. We are conveniently located for anyone seeking top-rated cosmetic and general dentistry nearby. We understand that dental care is an investment, which is why we strive to make expert dentistry accessible. For patients without insurance, we offer in-house membership plans to ensure affordable care. Whether you need a single crown, a bridge, or a full smile makeover, Dr. Laura Galiazzo and our compassionate team are dedicated to providing personalized care in a stress-free environment.
