How Long Does a Crown Smile Makeover Take?

If you are not pleased with how your smile looks, a smile makeover is something you might consider. During your meeting with a dentist, they might have recommended dental crowns as part of the procedure, leading you to wonder how long it will take to complete the crown makeover. Getting a dental crown takes about two dental visits, and this article explains how the process happens to give you a good idea of what to expect.

The average time for a smile makeover using dental crowns

During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth by trimming down parts of the tooth enamel. Afterward, they will take impressions of the teeth and place a temporary dental crown. It takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete these steps.

The patient will wait for about two weeks as the dentist works with the dental lab to get the permanent dental crown. In the second appointment, the dentist will cement the crown to the tooth. This takes about 30 minutes. The entire crown placement process for a smile makeover only takes about one or two hours of chair time.

Placing dental crowns

When the patient goes to the dental office for their crown, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the tooth and nearby gum tissue to inhibit pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. A tooth that has had a root canal does not need numbing, only the gum tissue.

The dentist has to shape and trim parts of the tooth structure to accommodate the thickness of the crown. This will also ensure the tooth is bulky enough for strength.

The tooth is trimmed on all sides to have a basic shape and slight taper to ensure the crown goes over it smoothly. The tapered shape helps to ensure the dental crown’s stability and retention. If the tooth is too broken, the dentist needs to build up its structure with composite resin first.

Impressions and temporary crowns

After the dentist shapes the tooth, they will make a dental impression of the tooth and the opposite jaw to create a dental crown that aligns perfectly with the existing teeth. The impressions are sent to the dental laboratory that will fabricate the crown. The production process takes about two weeks.

While the dental crown is being created, the tooth needs a protective covering. The dentist will provide a temporary crown to wear until the next dental appointment. This takes around 10 minutes to prepare.

The final step of the process is to choose the shape of the crown to ensure it matches the remaining teeth. This part is crucial if the crown is on a front tooth. After completing this stage, the patient can get their final dental crown.

The bottom line

A crown smile makeover can improve the appearance of your smile remarkably. To get started, book an appointment with our dentist for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Dentistry at (561) 225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

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