Few words in the dentist’s office sound as practical as “crown.” It implies strength, protection, and a job well done. If your dentist has told you that you need a dental crown, it’s natural to have questions. What does the process involve? Will it look natural? How many appointments will it take?
At Howard County Smiles, we’ve made it our goal to make that process as simple, efficient, and comfortable as possible. In fact, for over three decades, Dr. Ray Becker has been a pioneer in crown technology, having completed over 45,000 restorations, more than almost any other dentist in the world. Here is what you should know about saving your tooth with a modern dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown, Really?
Think of a crown as a custom-made “helmet” for your tooth. It’s a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. We use crowns for many reasons: to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to restore one that is already broken, to cover a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left, or to cover a dental implant.
The goal is always the same: to preserve your natural tooth structure and give you a fully functional, healthy smile for years to come.
The Howard County Smiles Difference: A World Record in Experience
When you need a crown, you want someone who has done it thousands of times before. At our office, you get that and more. Dr. Ray Becker was the first dentist in Maryland to use CEREC technology back in 1991. At the time, the idea of creating a crown in a single day was revolutionary.
Today, he is recognized as the longest continuous user of CEREC technology in the world. He isn’t just a dentist who uses a machine. He is an international keynote speaker and instructor who has helped develop the systems that other dentists use. When Dr. Becker creates your crown, he brings the experience of over 33 years and 45,000 successful cases to the chair.
The “Same Day” Experience: How It Works
Traditionally, getting a crown meant at least two visits. You would get numbed, have the tooth shaped, and wear a temporary plastic crown for a few weeks while a lab made your permanent one. Temporaries can break or come off, and they never feel quite right.
We’ve changed that. Here is what your visit looks like with us:
- Preparation: Dr. Becker gently prepares your tooth, removing any decay and shaping it to receive the new crown.
- The Digital Scan: Instead of taking a goopy, uncomfortable impression, we use our digital scanner. A small wand takes a 3D picture of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. It’s fast, clean, and incredibly accurate.
- Design: The 3D image appears on a screen. Using in-house design software, Dr. Becker designs your new crown right in front of you, ensuring the fit and bite are perfect.
- Milling: The design is sent wirelessly to our in-office milling machine (CEREC). While you relax, a solid block of high-quality ceramic is carved into your new crown. This takes about 10-20 minutes.
- Placement: Dr. Becker checks the fit, makes any minor adjustments, and bonds your new permanent crown into place.
You could walk out the same day with a permanent, natural-looking tooth. No temporaries, no second appointment, and no lab fees.
Built to Last, Designed to Shine
We use high-strength ceramic materials that are not only durable but also mimic the natural translucency and color of your real teeth. Dr. Breanna Becker, who holds a degree in studio art, often works alongside her father to ensure that the final restoration isn’t just strong, but beautiful. Whether it’s a back molar that needs to handle chewing pressure or a front tooth that needs to look flawless, the crown is crafted to blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
If you have a cracked, worn, or decayed tooth, a crown can be the best way to save it and prevent bigger problems down the road. At Howard County Smiles, we combine a warm, family-focused environment with technology that dentists travel from around the world to learn. We’d love to help you keep your teeth strong for a lifetime.
Schedule a consultation online or call our office today at (410) 415-9013.
