If you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of having missing or damaged front teeth, don’t despair. Dental crowns for front teeth are now more natural-looking and longer-lasting than ever before. Here’s what you need to know.

Can I get dental crowns for front teeth?

Dental crowns are a dental restoration that can be used on any tooth in the mouth. Essentially, a dental crown is a fake tooth your dentist places on the natural tooth’s healthy roots. If the tooth is missing, the dental crown may be part of a dental implant that is fastened to the jawbone itself.

The tooth crown procedure is the same regardless of material (see more on materials below). Receiving dental crowns for front teeth takes two visits.

On the first visit, your dentist examines your tooth to make sure it can support a crown. The tooth roots need to be healthy and free of any other dental issues before a crown can be placed. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove excessive tooth decay. Your dentist will fully outline the procedure before they begin.

The tooth is prepared by removing the cracked, fractured, or damaged natural tooth to make a healthy base for the crown. Because the natural tooth is removed, dental crowns for front teeth are considered a permanent dental restoration, as the remaining natural tooth must always be covered.

Once the base is prepared, your dentist takes an impression of the area to create a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being crafted. When it’s ready, your dentist removes the temporary crown and permanently affixes the permanent crown with dental cement.

Checking for fit, color match, and shape is the last step. Your dentist will make sure that the bite is correct. If there are minor adjustments to be made, those also happen on the second visit.

Getting used to your beautiful smile may take a few days. After a brief period of adjustment, though, you won’t even know your front tooth crown is there!

What types of crowns are best on front teeth?

Front tooth crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

For front teeth, you want the most natural-looking crown you can find. While all crowns are closely matched to the teeth surrounding them, their light reflecting properties make some crown materials a better choice for front teeth. Layered zirconia crowns (as opposed to solid zirconia crowns) offer superior light reflection and a very natural look. They are a good choice for front tooth crowns not only because of their natural appearance but also due to their durability.

Another great choice is ceramic crowns. Like zirconia crowns, they have superior light reflecting properties. At AZ Dentist, our highly-trained ceramicists custom craft your crown for the best possible match when it comes to shape and color. The big difference between the two is that ceramic crowns are often much more affordable than zirconia crowns. Insurance company dollars go farther with ceramic crowns, and this can make a big difference when you’re considering which one to get.

How long do crowns last on front teeth?

Because front teeth do not have the biting force that molars regularly have applied to them, front tooth crowns can last for a very long time in terms of not breaking, chipping, or cracking. Zirconia crowns are the most durable type of crown, with some patients reporting crowns that are 30 years old and still going strong. Ceramic and porcelain crowns last around two decades or so, or even longer with proper care.

One of the biggest threats to dental crowns for front teeth is staining, but not of the dental crown itself which is resistant to stains. Rather, stained natural teeth will make your dental crown stand out.

Proper brushing and flossing will extend the life of the crown and protect your overall dental health, as will regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Other ways to increase the longevity of dental crowns for front teeth include:

  • Avoid staining foods and beverages
  • Do not use your teeth as tools (no biting nails!)
  • Stop smoking
  • Do not chew ice or bite on pens or pencils
  • If you grind your teeth, use a night guard

A word of caution: if you are considering whitening your teeth, make sure to do that before receiving your dental crown, as the crown will not whiten along with your other teeth.

How strong are crowns on front teeth?

The short answer? Very! Dental crowns on front teeth are very strong, a characteristic that can, in some cases, be their downfall.

In the case of zirconia crowns, the dental crown is so tough that the teeth that flank the crown (and the remaining natural tooth underneath the crown itself) may sustain damage from their interactions with the crown. This is not a good reason to avoid getting zirconia crowns, as the benefits outweigh the minor possibility of this type of damage.

With proper care and attention paid to dental hygiene, front tooth crowns are as strong as they need to be for the natural function of your front teeth.

Dental crowns: Before and after

Dental crowns for front teeth can restore your beautiful smile and improve your overall bite. Missing teeth can throw off your bite alignment as remaining teeth shift in the mouth. Instead, dental crowns restore the balance and function of your teeth in a natural-looking (and feeling) way.

If lack of front teeth or teeth that are cracked or stained have been making you feel self-conscious, dental crowns for front teeth can help you regain your confidence.

To get answers to all of your questions about dental crowns for front teeth, give AZ Dentist a call. Serving the greater Phoenix area, with multiple locations around the Valley, we can help you better know your options to choose the best dental crown for you!        

Schedule Your Appointment