A damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t have to stay that way. Dental crowns can restore both the strength and appearance of your tooth. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken and our team create custom crowns that look natural, fit perfectly, and give you back a fully functional smile. We serve patients at both our Chicago location on Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park and our Skokie office.
With over 30 years of experience in restorative dentistry, Dr. Chaiken has placed thousands of crowns. He takes the time to ensure each crown is precisely crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and bite. Whether you need a crown to repair a broken tooth or restore a tooth after root canal treatment, we’re here to help.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. Think of it as a strong, protective shell that fits over your existing tooth. Crowns are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while blending seamlessly with your smile.
Modern crowns are incredibly durable and lifelike. We work with skilled dental labs to create crowns that match your other teeth so closely that most people won’t even notice you have one.
Types of Dental Crowns We Offer
Different situations call for different types of crowns. Dr. Chaiken will recommend the best material based on which tooth needs the crown, your budget, and your cosmetic preferences.
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
These are the most popular choice for front teeth and other visible areas. Porcelain and ceramic reflect light just like natural tooth enamel, creating a beautiful, lifelike appearance. We can match these crowns precisely to the color of your surrounding teeth. They’re strong enough for everyday use and provide excellent aesthetics.
Metal Crowns
Gold alloy and other metal crowns are extremely durable and work best for back molars that handle heavy chewing forces. They rarely chip or break and don’t need us to remove too much structure from your teeth. The downside is they’re very noticeable, which is why we typically reserve them for back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. They have a metal base for durability with a porcelain coating that matches your tooth color. While they’re quite strong, the metal underneath can sometimes show as a dark line at the gumline, especially if your gums recede over time.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns solve a variety of dental problems. Dr. Chaiken often recommends them in these situations.
Large Cavities and Extensive Decay
When a tooth has a large cavity, a regular filling may not provide enough support. The tooth structure becomes too weak to hold a filling securely. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting what’s left of the healthy structure and preventing the decay from spreading. This is especially important for molars that bear the brunt of your chewing pressure.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Accidents happen. Whether you bit down on something hard or experienced dental trauma, a cracked or broken tooth needs protection. A crown holds the broken pieces together and prevents the crack from getting worse. It also restores the tooth’s strength so you can chew comfortably without worrying about further damage.
Severely Worn Teeth
Teeth naturally wear down over time, but grinding, clenching, and acidic erosion can accelerate the process. When teeth become significantly flattened or worn, crowns can rebuild them to their proper shape and size. This improves your ability to chew effectively and can even help with jaw alignment issues.
After Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy saves infected teeth, but the process can leave them more brittle and prone to breaking. A crown placed over a root canal treated tooth provides protection and strength. It allows you to use the tooth normally without fear of it cracking under pressure.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Not all crowns are about fixing damage. Sometimes patients want to improve how their severely stained, misshapen, or poorly positioned teeth look. Crowns can completely transform these teeth, giving you a more attractive, confident smile. Each crown is custom designed to create the look you want.
Patient Review
The Crown Process at North Dental Professionals
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments. We make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
First Visit: Examination and Preparation
Dr. Chaiken starts by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If there’s extensive decay or risk of infection, you may need root canal treatment before we can place the crown.
Next, he carefully reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown. This involves removing a small amount of tooth structure from the top and sides. If a large portion of the tooth is missing or damaged, he’ll build it up with filling material first to create a solid foundation.
Once the tooth is prepared, we take detailed impressions of your tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions go to our trusted dental lab, where skilled technicians will craft your custom crown. This process takes about two to three weeks.
Before you leave, we’ll place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. This temporary protects the tooth and prevents sensitivity while you wait for your permanent crown. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods while wearing the temporary to prevent it from coming loose.
Second Visit: Placing Your Permanent Crown
When your final crown is ready, you’ll return to have it placed. Dr. Chaiken removes the temporary crown and carefully checks the fit, color, and bite of your new permanent crown. If everything looks perfect, he’ll cement it securely in place. If any minor adjustments are needed, he’ll make them right away to ensure your crown fits comfortably and functions properly.
Most patients are amazed at how natural their new crown looks and feels. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, your crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. The key is treating it like your natural teeth while taking a few extra precautions.
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your gum. Floss every day around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. The tooth underneath the crown can still develop decay if you don’t keep it clean.
Be mindful of what you bite into. While crowns are strong, they can crack or chip if you bite down on very hard items like ice, hard candy, or nutshells. Sticky foods like caramel can sometimes pull on crowns, so chew carefully.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, let Dr. Chaiken know. He can create a custom night guard to protect both your crown and your natural teeth from excessive wear and damage.
Visit our office every six months for checkups and professional cleanings. Dr. Chaiken will examine your crown to make sure it’s still secure and in good condition. Regular visits help us catch small problems before they become serious.
Watch for warning signs like sensitivity, pain, or a crown that feels loose or affects your bite. If you notice any of these issues, contact us right away. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself. We’ll examine the crown and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Why Choose North Dental Professionals for Your Crown?
Dr. Chaiken’s three decades of experience in restorative dentistry means he’s seen and successfully treated every type of crown case. As an assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, he’s recognized for his clinical expertise and commitment to excellence. He uses only high-quality materials and works with trusted labs to ensure your crown looks beautiful and lasts for years.
Our patients appreciate his meticulous attention to detail. He won’t place a crown until he’s completely satisfied with the fit, appearance, and function. That level of care makes all the difference in your long-term results.
Convenient Chicago and Skokie Locations
We make it easy to get the restorative care you need with two offices serving all surrounding Chicago communities. Our Chicago office is located at 5953 N Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park, with free parking in our lot. Our Skokie office offers the same expert care in a convenient suburban location.
Whether you have a broken tooth that needs immediate attention or you’re ready to improve your smile with cosmetic crowns, we’re here to help. Contact North Dental Professionals today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chaiken. Call our Chicago office at 708-274-4192 or our Skokie office at 224-267-8083. You can also request an appointment online.