08
Nov
Beautiful, healthy smiles in Calumet City, IL with cosmetic dental crowns
Broken, damaged, or weakened teeth can be fortified and protected with dental crowns. Historically, these restorations were purely functional. They did not improve the appearance of a smile significantly, but they restored the ability to speak clearly and chew efficiently, as well as preventing damage to the treated tooth. Today, patients have the option of choosing cosmetic porcelain dental crowns, which restore the functionality and esthetics of teeth.
Our cosmetic crowns are fabricated in a quality dental laboratory, by technicians with extensive experience. However, even the very best ceramist can only create a crown as good as the design. To ensure proper shape, precise impressions of the upper and lower arches are needed. For optimal esthetics, the color must be matched perfectly to that of your natural teeth.
Coloring
Dr. Dietrich will use a shade guide to determine the best color match for your tooth. Dental porcelain is highly stain resistant, so it will retain its coloring. However, it is also resistant to bleaching gels. If the crown is matched to dark or yellowed teeth, it will be unchanged while your teeth become several shades lighter. Be sure to tell the doctor if you plan of whitening your teeth after the crown is placed, so that this issue can be taken into consideration.
Design
After the damaged portion of the tooth has been removed, and the remaining structure has been shaped, Dr. Dietrich will take impressions. The impression material starts out as a fairly soft almost dough like consistency. It is placed in trays that fit in your mouth comfortably. The tray will need to stay in your mouth for about one to three minutes while the impression sets up. The result is a rubbery mold, which is used to create a stone replica of your teeth, for use by the dental lab. An additional, smaller impression is usually taken for use in creating a temporary crown.
The temporary is placed on the prepared tooth, so that you can eat and smile normally while waiting for your permanent restoration. Fabrication of the crown by a laboratory may take up to three weeks, as this is precision work. A natural appearance is achieved using various techniques such as adding subtle color inclusions and layering the porcelain to mimic the natural appearance of tooth enamel.
In addition to cosmetic crowns, Dr. Dietrich offers a new highly durable material called zirconia, which may be preferable in some situations due to strength or affordability. If your smile is in need of restoration, call Pleasant Dental® at (708) 576-1900 and schedule an appointment. We are located in Dolton, proudly serving area communities such as Calumet City, Riverdale, and South Holland.
Dean Dietrich, DMD
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
Dr. Winnie Wilson
Dr. Winnie Wilson is a dedicated dentist with a rich background in general dentistry, particularly passionate about treating children. After completing her dentistry education in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gupta is committed to building meaningful relationships with families through exceptional care at Pleasant Dental. Her approach emphasizes trust and quality service. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Chicago's diverse culinary scene, embodying a well-rounded and trustworthy professional dedicated to her patients' well-being.
