Durable, Natural-Looking Dental Crowns
Do you suffer from dental damage? Dental crowns might be the solution. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide high-quality dental crowns to restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
Dr. Rebecca Rath specializes in traditional gold, e.max, and zirconia crowns, ensuring you receive the best solution for your needs. While we do not offer same-day crowns, our durable custom crowns are designed to blend with your natural smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made “caps” that cover damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are an essential part of restorative dentistry, providing a durable solution for a variety of dental issues. Crowns are often placed over teeth after they have had a root canal completed. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use the latest materials and techniques to create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
We offer several types of crowns to meet your specific needs and preferences:
- Traditional Gold Crowns: Known for their durability and strength, gold crowns are ideal for molars.
- E.max Crowns: Made from high-strength ceramic, these crowns offer a natural look and excellent durability.
Zirconia Crowns: Extremely strong and aesthetic, zirconia crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth.
How Do I Know I Need a Dental Crown?
The main purpose of a dental crown is to restore a damaged tooth. It can have restorative properties and cosmetic benefits simultaneously! If you are struggling with these issues, we invite you to come into our office to learn more about dental crowns:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown can protect and preserve what remains of the tooth.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns hold together fractured teeth and prevent further damage from spreading.
- After Root Canal Therapy: Teeth that have undergone root canals are often brittle and need a crown to provide strength and protection.
- Worn-Down Teeth: If grinding or erosion has worn your teeth down, crowns can rebuild their shape and function.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth, especially in the front of your smile.
- Replacing a Large Filling: If a filling takes up more than half of your tooth, a crown can provide better long-term support.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge: Crowns are often used to support dental bridges that replace missing teeth.
- Covering a Dental Implant: A crown acts as the visible tooth on top of a dental implant, restoring both appearance and function.
Crowns are a versatile solution for many different concerns. Our aesthetic and long-lasting crowns can help you meet your dental needs, whatever they may be.
Candidacy for Dental Crowns
To ensure the crown can function properly and last long term, the tooth receiving the crown must be free from infection and have a stable foundation. If there’s an active infection or signs of gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed before moving forward with treatment.
If the tooth structure is too compromised or the bone supporting it isn’t strong enough, a crown may not be the best solution until those concerns are resolved.
Ideal candidates for dental crowns typically have teeth that are structurally weakened but still intact enough to support the restoration. This might include teeth with large fillings, cracks, or that have undergone root canal therapy. During your evaluation, Dr. Rath will examine your smile, assess the health of the affected tooth, and determine whether a crown is the right solution or whether other treatments may be needed to restore your smile.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Patients who suffer from dental damage or missing teeth can benefit greatly from dental crowns. We craft dental crowns that enhance your cosmetics, all while providing functional solutions.
Improve Everyday Function
Dental crowns restore function by enabling proper chewing and speaking, making everyday activities more comfortable and efficient.
Enhance Your Appearance
They also enhance appearance, as custom crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile.
Find a Durable Solution
Additionally, the durability of dental crowns is noteworthy, as high-quality materials ensure long-lasting results, providing a reliable solution for maintaining your dental health over time.
Resolve a Variety of Issues
Crowns can help with small chips to structural issues. They can be used for just cosmetics or cosmetics and function. Crowns are the solution to many different dental issues.
We want you to move forward in your life with confidence and comfort. Receiving a dental crown can help you do that!
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process begins with a consultation where Dr. Rath will assess your dental health and discuss the best type of crown for your specific needs.
Next, the tooth preparation stage involves shaping the damaged tooth to make room for the crown. This is followed by taking impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a custom crown that fits perfectly.
Once the custom crown is ready, it is carefully fitted and bonded to your tooth, ensuring a secure and natural-looking result. Finally, Dr. Rath will provide you with detailed instructions for caring for your new crown to ensure its longevity.
Choosing Dr. Rath for Your Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Rath is here for you and your family, whether it be a routine appointment or a sudden emergency visit. She has your best health in mind, no matter the kind of appointment, and will make recommendations that will actually help you and your smile.
Our office offers several different types of crowns to help you get what you need without having to go to a different dentist. If you are interested in a crown in the Billings area, call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today!
Need a Dental Crown in an Emergency?
Dr. Rath offers same-day dentistry if you need a crown or other urgent medical care. A crown can be a long term solution to a sudden dental issue such as a crack, chip, or infection.
We will welcome you in for a consultation and address any underlying health issues before we craft your custom crown. While the custom crown is being made, we can make you a temporary crown that provides relief from your dental emergency.
Comparing Our Crown Materials
At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Rath offers three high-quality crown materials—gold, E.max, and zirconia—each with its own unique strengths. The best choice depends on your dental needs, cosmetic preferences, and the location of the tooth being restored.
Gold Crowns:
Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for decades thanks to their exceptional durability. They are gentle on surrounding teeth and highly resistant to wear and fracture, making them ideal for back molars where bite force is strongest. While they don’t match the natural color of your teeth, gold remains a trusted option for longevity and strength—especially for patients who prioritize function over aesthetics.
E.max Crowns:
E.max crowns are made from a type of lithium disilicate ceramic known for its strength and beautiful translucency. These crowns are an excellent choice for patients looking to restore front teeth or highly visible areas of the smile, as they offer a natural, lifelike appearance. E.max combines aesthetic appeal with reliable durability, making it a popular solution for cosmetic and restorative needs.
Zirconia Crowns:
Zirconia is a strong, tooth-colored material that offers both durability and aesthetics. It is more opaque than E.max, which can be helpful for covering darker underlying tooth structure or metal posts. Zirconia crowns are often chosen for patients who need a durable and aesthetic option for back teeth or those prone to grinding. They provide a reliable blend of strength and appearance without compromising on either.
Each crown option offered at our office is selected with your long-term health and satisfaction in mind. Dr. Rath will work closely with you to determine which material fits your smile goals and functional needs best.
Dental Crown FAQs
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or even longer. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to maintaining their longevity. It’s important to avoid habits that can damage the crowns, such as biting on hard objects, grinding your teeth, or using your teeth to open packages.
Maintaining a healthy diet and addressing any dental issues promptly can also help extend the life of your dental crowns. You can always consult with Dr. Rath if you have questions about your dental crown.
Can I Get a Dental Crown if I Grind My Teeth?
Bruxism, whether at night or throughout the day, can pose a small risk to crowns and other restorations. If your grinding is severe, we recommend solving it first. However, if you have simple nighttime grinding, a mouth guard can protect your crown.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?
Caring for your dental crowns is much like caring for your natural teeth. Although crowns are durable and resistant to staining, the tooth underneath still needs protection from decay and gum disease. Be sure to:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid wearing down the crown surface.
- Floss once a day, carefully cleaning around the crown to remove plaque and prevent gum inflammation. Floss threaders or interdental brushes can help if you have multiple restorations.
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice, pens, or hard candies that could crack or dislodge the crown.
- Limit sticky foods that might pull at the crown or surrounding dental work.
- Visit Dr. Rath regularly for cleanings and checkups. Routine visits allow us to monitor the crown and ensure the supporting tooth and gums stay healthy.
With proper care, your crown can last many years and continue to protect and enhance your smile. If you ever notice discomfort, a loose crown, or sensitivity, contact our office for a prompt evaluation.
Will Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the dental crown process is. Dr. Rath uses gentle techniques and ensures that the tooth is fully numbed during preparation, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might experience mild soreness or sensitivity afterward, especially around the gumline, but this typically resolves within a few days.
If you feel nervous about dental procedures, let our team know—your comfort is a top priority. Our spa-like atmosphere and sedation dentistry options can help you relax.
Contact Us Today for a Dental Crown Consultation
Are you in need of a dental crown? Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Billings, MT, today to schedule your dental crown consultation. Our durable and natural-looking crowns can help restore your smile to its former function and appearance.
About Dr. Rebecca Rath
Dr. Rebecca Rath was born and raised in Billings. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University, and after graduating she practiced in community health centers and private practices in Oregon and Montana. Learning has always been an important aspect of her practice, and she has continued that learning at the prestigious Kois Center, a renowned institute for advanced dental education focused on comprehensive patient care. She works with her all-female team to bring you compassionate dentistry in Billings, Montana.
