Dental Crowns
When a natural tooth requires the placement of a new dental crown to revitalize its health and durability, many patients worry that their only option is dark-colored, unnatural-looking metal. At Cosmetic Dentistry of Atlanta, Dr. Marilyn Gaylor–one of only six AACD Accredited dentists in Georgia–is happy to inform you that this doesn’t have to be the case. She offers several types of metal-free materials that feature premium aesthetics, stain-resistant durability, and a truly comfortable fit. With hundreds of restorations placed over her decades of practice, Dr. Gaylor can be trusted to handle your crown procedure with outstanding success, exceptional artistry, and meticulous attention to both function and beauty.
Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth, restore a broken tooth, or complete root canal treatment, Dr. Gaylor’s metal-free crowns provide the strength you need with the natural appearance you deserve.
James M.“I meet Dr. Gaylor in 1987 I had several fillings a crown and a chipped tooth fixed.(chipped tooth was a temporary fix. )Imoved and lost Contact with Dr. gaylor .Last month I had Part of a jaw tooth to break off.I called Dr. Gaylor and she took me back as a patient.Thework she did in 1987 is still in tact she is now in the process of reparing and getting my teeth back where they should be.Dr Gaylor was the Best in 1987 and is even better now she is simply the best. Dr. Gaylor and her staff have a sweet and caring attitude if you are looking for a dentist give her a call she is the BEST.thank you Dr.gaylor thankyou.”
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that completely cover a damaged, weakened, or compromised tooth, encasing it from the gum line to the biting surface. Often called “caps,” crowns restore the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. They function as both a protective barrier and a functional replacement for compromised tooth structure.
Dr. Gaylor designs each crown to integrate seamlessly with your smile, carefully considering factors like tooth color, translucency, shape, and bite relationship to create restorations that look and feel completely natural.
When Dental Crowns Are Needed
Crowns provide essential protection and restoration in numerous situations:
Large Cavities
When decay has compromised too much tooth structure for a filling to adequately restore strength and function.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Crowns hold together teeth with cracks or fractures, preventing further splitting while restoring full chewing capability.
After Root Canal Treatment
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy become brittle and require crown protection to prevent fracture.
Severely Worn Teeth
Years of grinding, clenching, or acidic erosion can wear teeth down to nubs, requiring crowns to restore proper length and function.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
Extensive breaks that compromise tooth structure need crown coverage for adequate strength and protection.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Severely discolored, misshapen, or irregularly sized teeth can be transformed with crowns for comprehensive aesthetic improvement.
Dental Implant Restoration
Crowns complete dental implant treatment, providing the visible tooth portion attached to the implant post.
Anchor for Dental Bridges
Crowns on adjacent teeth support bridge restorations that replace missing teeth.
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Two Anterior Crowns
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Case #2
Two Anterior Crowns
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Case #3
Invisalign · Porcelain Veneers · Crowns
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The Advantages of Metal-Free Crowns
Modern metal-free crown materials offer significant benefits over traditional metal-based restorations:
- Superior Aesthetics: All-porcelain and zirconia crowns mimic the translucency, color depth, and light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, creating restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
- No Dark Lines at the Gum Line: Traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often show dark metal margins where the crown meets the gum, especially as gums recede over time. Metal-free crowns eliminate this problem entirely.
- Biocompatible Materials: Metal-free crowns contain no metals that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity, making them ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or those seeking biocompatible dental materials.
- Excellent Tissue Response: Gum tissue responds better to ceramic materials than to metal, maintaining healthy pink color and proper contours around metal-free restorations.
- Natural Warmth Transmission: Unlike metal crowns that conduct temperature extremes, ceramic crowns insulate teeth naturally, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
- Conservative Preparation: Some metal-free crown materials allow for more conservative tooth preparation, preserving more natural tooth structure compared to traditional crown techniques.
- Stain Resistant: High-quality porcelain and zirconia resist staining from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco far better than natural teeth or acrylic materials.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care and maintenance, metal-free crowns can last 10-20 years or longer:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily around the crown, paying special attention to the margin where crown meets tooth
- Visit Dr. Gaylor every six months for professional cleanings and examinations
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using teeth as tools to open packages
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth to protect crowns from excessive force
- Address any new decay or gum problems promptly to protect supporting tooth structure
- Contact our office if your crown feels loose, your bite feels off, or you experience sensitivity
Dr. Gaylor monitors your crown during regular checkups, ensuring it continues to function properly and maintain its beautiful appearance.
Types of Metal-Free Crowns
Dr. Gaylor offers premium crown materials selected for optimal strength, aesthetics, and longevity:
All-Porcelain Crowns
Made entirely from dental ceramic, all-porcelain crowns provide the most natural, lifelike appearance available. They’re ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount and offer excellent translucency that mimics natural enamel beautifully.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is an extremely strong ceramic material that combines the strength needed for back teeth with beautiful aesthetics. These crowns are highly resistant to chipping and fracturing while maintaining natural appearance, making them ideal for molars and patients who grind their teeth.
Layered Porcelain-Zirconia Crowns
Combining a strong zirconia core with layered porcelain creates crowns that offer both exceptional strength and optimal aesthetics. These hybrid restorations work well for any tooth position.
Dr. Gaylor selects the ideal material for each situation based on tooth location, bite forces, aesthetic requirements, and your individual needs.
The Crown Treatment Process
Dr. Gaylor’s comprehensive approach ensures your crown delivers optimal fit, function, and aesthetics through careful planning and precise execution.
Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning
During your first appointment, Dr. Gaylor examines the affected tooth, takes digital X-rays to evaluate tooth and bone structure, and discusses your symptoms and concerns. She explains why a crown is necessary, what the procedure involves, and answers all your questions. If the tooth requires root canal treatment, that procedure is completed before crown placement.
Tooth Preparation and Impression
Dr. Gaylor carefully reshapes the tooth to create proper space for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This preparation is performed under local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort. She then takes precise impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, which serve as the blueprint for creating your custom crown. She also selects the perfect shade to match your natural teeth.
Temporary Crown Placement
A temporary crown protects your prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated at a specialized dental laboratory. This temporary restoration allows you to eat, speak, and smile normally during the fabrication period.
Custom Crown Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a skilled dental laboratory where master ceramists create your crown using premium materials. The fabrication process typically takes 2-3 weeks, during which time the laboratory carefully crafts a restoration that matches your specifications for color, shape, and function.
Final Crown Placement
Once your permanent crown is ready, you return for final placement. Dr. Gaylor removes the temporary crown, cleans the prepared tooth, and carefully evaluates the permanent crown for fit, color match, and bite alignment. She makes any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the crown in place, ensuring comfortable bite and optimal aesthetics.
Crown Longevity and Success Factors
Several factors influence how long your crown will last:
Material Quality
Dr. Gaylor uses only premium materials from reputable manufacturers known for exceptional quality and longevity.
Precision Fit
Accurate impressions and expert laboratory work create crowns that fit precisely, preventing leakage and decay.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Consistent brushing and flossing prevent gum disease and decay around crown margins.
Bite Forces
Teeth grinding or clenching can shorten crown lifespan; wearing a nightguard protects your investment.
Regular Professional Care
Routine checkups allow early detection of any problems before they become serious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
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With proper care, metal-free crowns typically last 10-20 years or longer. Dr. Gaylor’s precision craftsmanship and use of premium materials help ensure exceptional longevity.
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Yes, Dr. Gaylor’s AACD Accreditation ensures that every crown is meticulously color-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell you have a crown.
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The procedure is performed with local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort. Most patients experience only mild tenderness afterward, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
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Treatment typically requires two appointments over 2-3 weeks. The first appointment involves tooth preparation and temporary crown placement, while the second appointment is for final crown placement.
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Yes, once your permanent crown is placed and the cement has set, you can eat all your favorite foods normally. Crowns restore full chewing function.
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Contact our office immediately. Keep the crown safe and bring it to your appointment–Dr. Gaylor can often re-cement it if the tooth and crown are undamaged.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry of Atlanta for Dental Crowns
Dr. Gaylor’s AACD Accreditation demonstrates her mastery in creating restorations that combine exceptional aesthetics with optimal function. Her extensive training at the LD Pankey Institute in comprehensive restorative dentistry ensures that every crown supports proper bite relationships and long-term oral health. With hundreds of successful crown placements over her decades of practice, meticulous attention to detail, and use of premium metal-free materials, you’ll receive crowns that protect your teeth while maintaining your smile’s natural beauty. Her artistic eye and commitment to excellence ensure results that exceed your expectations.
Learn MoreRestore Your Smile with Beautiful Crowns in Atlanta
If you need a dental crown to protect a damaged tooth or restore your smile’s function and appearance, contact Cosmetic Dentistry of Atlanta today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gaylor. She’ll evaluate your tooth, discuss your treatment options, and create a beautiful metal-free crown that provides the strength you need with the natural appearance you deserve. Serving patients throughout Atlanta, Vinings, Buckhead, and surrounding communities, we’re here to help you achieve lasting dental health with restorations you’ll be proud to show off.
