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Crowns
Fraiman Prosthodontics - Surprise, AZ



Dr. Fraiman specializes in cosmetic dental makeovers to restore both functionality and beauty to his patients’ smiles. This often includes crowns, which are dental restorations that completely cover a tooth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, depending on where the tooth is located and the patient’s individual case. But at Fraiman Prosthodontics, we only use the highest-quality, custom-made materials to ensure a perfect fit, full functionality, and the longest-lasting restorations.

Common Questions about Crowns

Why do I need a crown on my tooth?

When a cavity becomes too large to treat with a standard filling, a crown—commonly referred to as a cap—may need to be placed to restore strength to the tooth. Similarly, if a tooth or teeth become broken down due to trauma such as an accident, a crown or crowns may be necessary to restore functionality to the tooth or teeth. Crowns may also be used when teeth are misaligned, creating a smoother, straighter, and more uniform smile. If your teeth have suffered from trauma or you have a large cavity in need of treatment, call our office. Our high-quality, custom-made crowns or other treatments can help you get back to full functionality and restore your beautiful smile.

What are crowns made of?

A crown can be made by a few different materials such as metal, gold, solid porcelain, or a combination of these. Each tooth is unique, and depending on where it is located in the mouth or the cosmetic needs of the individual patient, Dr. Fraiman will determine which material is best. For example, a tooth in the front of the mouth might be best served with a porcelain crown, as it will be more visible in the smile, and a tooth in the very back of the mouth might be best served with an all-metal cap, as that will be strongest for the bite. Teeth in the middle might need a metal substructure with a porcelain overlay—getting the strength of the metal with the cosmetic aspects of porcelain. In every case, Dr. Fraiman partners with talented artists to custom-make each and every crown for his patients, using only the highest-quality materials.

How are crowns put in?

After about six working days, you will come back in to have the tooth cleaned and have the temporary crown replaced with a permanent crown. Then, you will come in to prepare your tooth and receive a temporary crown while it is being custom-made.

Dr. Fraiman will take a small impression of the tooth to be used to create the temporary crown. Then, he will numb the tooth or teeth with a local anesthetic and prepare it for a permanent crown using a hand piece; this treatment is conservative, reducing only about one millimeter of tooth in all directions. Then, he will use a 3D optical scanner, which takes 2,000 3D photos at a time, to be used to make a 3D model. This way, patients can avoid having a mouth full of goop used for impressions.

The 3D scan is used to make the 3D model, which will be used to make your permanent crown. While that permanent crown is being custom-made by a trusted expert, you will have a temporary crown—this temporary crown will look exactly like both your natural teeth and your permanent crown.

After about six working days, you will come back in to clean the tooth and replace the temporary crown with a permanent crown. Before doing so, Dr. Fraiman always takes an x-ray of the permanent crown on top of the natural tooth before cementing to ensure the fit is perfect. Once your permanent crown is placed, you’re welcome to test it out and eat, drink, etc. as you normally would.

What will my crowns look like?

Dr. Fraiman believes that the purpose of a crown is to protect the tooth, but every crown should be cosmetic in nature. Both the temporary and permanent crowns you will receive at Fraiman Prosthodontics will reflect the look of your natural teeth.

How do I care for my crowns?

While you are encouraged to be mindful of your crowns when eating tough or sharp foods, crowns do not need special care once they’re placed. Your crowns will be checked during your routine appointments and cleanings, but otherwise, they should be cared for with a normal, healthy dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.

Can crowns stain?

No, crowns will not pick up the normal stains from coffee, tea, cigarettes, or red wine that your natural teeth would take. Generally, they are stain-resistant. However, as always, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist for cleaning and checkup.

How long will crowns last?

A crown is expected to last indefinitely. Dr. Fraiman’s patients have enjoyed their crowns for many years and expect to for many more. However, Dr. Fraiman tells his patients that a tooth’s enamel is the hardest surface in the human body, and even that can break—so it’s possible for a crown to break at a certain point. If this is the case, visit our office for a restoration. We will help get you back on track as soon as possible.

Will crowns straighten my teeth?

While Dr. Fraiman generally doesn’t place crowns solely for the purpose of straightening, they can be used for this purpose. If teeth are crooked, a crown can be placed to straighten a tooth almost instantly. If you’re considering a crown to straighten misaligned teeth, call our office. Dr. Fraiman will assess your individual case, needs, and goals and walk you through your options.

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