Dental Crowns in Des Moines, IA
A damaged or weakened tooth affects how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. A dental crown covers and protects the tooth, restoring its strength and appearance in one solution. At Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, Stephen Forrest, D.D.S. has placed crowns for patients across the metro for more than 30 years, helping them keep their natural teeth and smile with confidence.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made covering shaped to fit over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth to its original shape, size, and strength while improving its appearance. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth above the gumline, protecting what remains underneath.
Crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. Dr. Forrest helps you choose the material suited to the location of the tooth, the look you want, and your budget.
When You Might Need a Dental Crown
Dr. Forrest might recommend a crown to:
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking, or hold a cracked tooth together
- Restore a tooth badly worn down or broken
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling and little structure left
- Hold a dental bridge in place
Cover a dental implant or a discolored tooth in need of a natural-looking restoration
If you have a tooth aching when you chew, a large old filling, or a worsening chip, a crown is often the solution to save the tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
These crowns match the color of your natural teeth, which makes them a popular choice for front teeth and anyone who wants an improved appearance for your smile. They look natural and contain no metal.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns hold up well against the forces of chewing and rarely chip or break. Their color makes them better suited for back teeth, where strength matters more than appearance.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. They work well in many positions and offer a balance of durability and appearance.
The Dental Crown Process at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center
Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Forrest begins by examining the tooth and discussing your goals. He then prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to hold the crown. He takes an impression and fits you with a temporary crown while a dental lab creates your permanent one.
Placing Your Crown
At your second visit, Dr. Forrest removes the temporary crown and checks the fit, shape, and color of the permanent crown. Once everything looks right, he bonds it securely in place and adjusts your bite until it feels comfortable and natural.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
A well-made crown lasts many years with proper care. Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the area around the crown healthy. A crown protects the tooth, but the tooth underneath is still vulnerable to decay at the gumline, so daily care matters. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Forrest about a nightguard to protect your crown.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Des Moines?
The cost of a crown depends on the material and the amount of work the tooth needs before placement. Because every tooth is different, the only accurate price comes after Dr. Forrest examines your mouth. You receive a clear breakdown of the cost before treatment begins. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it restores function, and the practice helps you understand your benefits and financing options.
Why Choose Dr. Stephen Forrest
Dr. Forrest earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1985 and has practiced in the Des Moines area for more than 30 years. He holds a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Iowa Dental Association. He pairs decades of experience with a careful, patient-focused approach.
“A crown lets us save a tooth otherwise at risk of being lost. When it is done well, it looks like a natural tooth and lasts for years. This is always my goal for every patient,” says Dr. Stephen Forrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, a dental crown lasts many years, often a decade or longer. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits help your crown last as long as possible.
Is getting a crown painful?
Dr. Forrest uses local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Most patients feel little discomfort, with some mild sensitivity afterward, fading within a few days.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
Yes. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so the crown blends in with your smile.
Will a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes. The crown protects the tooth, but the natural tooth beneath it is still vulnerable to decay at the gumline. Daily brushing and flossing protect the tooth under the crown.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation in Des Moines
If you have a damaged, weak, or broken tooth, a dental crown is often the answer. Call (515) 516-6769 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Forrest and find out whether a crown is right for you.
