Could your smile be improved with dental crowns? Our Lincoln, NE, dentist, Dr. Thomas Blakenau of Caring Family Dentistry, discusses a few scenarios in which crowns may be helpful.

You're not happy with the way your smile looks

Your teeth play a pivotal role in your appearance. If one or more of them are pitted, crooked or just look a little strange, your smile can suffer. Crowns offer the ideal way to correct cosmetic issues. The hollow restorations fit over your teeth, providing coverage on all four sides.

One or more teeth are too short

Are you a grinder? If you are, you may have noticed that some of your teeth have become shorter due to the habit. Crowns lengthen your teeth and are also a good choice if a tooth is naturally short. If grinding is a problem for you, you'll want to consider using a nightguard after you receive your new crowns. Nightguards, available from our Lincoln office, protect your new crowns and your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching.

You had a root canal or large filling

Both root canals and large fillings involve removing a significant amount of tooth structure, which can weaken teeth. Crowns strengthen the teeth and prevent them from breaking.

Your teeth are brittle

Brittle teeth tend to break easily. Brittleness can develop as you age, or you may have been unlucky enough to inherit the tendency. No matter what the cause, crowns will protect your fragile teeth.

You have a crack in a tooth

Cracks, even small ones, can increase your risk of tooth fractures and cavities. Covering the crack with a crown prevents bacteria from entering your tooth and also helps stabilize it.

Your tooth broke

Broken teeth aren't very attractive, but the appearance isn't the only problem. Jagged teeth make chewing very difficult. Crowns restore teeth, enhancing your appearance and your ability to bite.

You lost a tooth

Crowns hold bridges used to replace missing teeth in place. They're also a key component of dental implants and replace the visible part of a tooth when they're attached to the tops of an implant.

Do you think you can benefit from a crown? Call our Lincoln, NE, dentist, Dr. Blakenau of Caring Family Dentistry, at (402) 423-9344 to schedule an appointment.