What are Dental Crowns? A Comprehensive Guide to Tooth Restoration

In the realm of restorative dentistry, dental crowns stand out as a pivotal solution for repairing and enhancing tooth structure. Whether due to decay, injury, or aesthetic purposes, dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring a tooth’s functionality and appearance. This article aims to shed light on what dental crowns are, their types, applications, and what patients can expect from the procedure.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-fitted covering or “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

The 6 Reasons for Need of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are not just protective coverings; they play a multifaceted role in dental health and aesthetics. Let’s explore their applications in greater detail to understand the versatility of dental crowns in restorative dentistry.

  1. Restoring a Broken or Worn Down Tooth
  • Function Restoration: Teeth can become worn down from grinding, clenching, or general wear. Crowns restore the tooth to its optimal shape and size, enabling it to function properly for chewing and speaking.
  • Structural Integrity: For teeth that are broken or chipped, crowns provide a covering to protect the remaining structure and prevent further damage.
  1. Covering and Supporting a Tooth with a Large Filling
  • Protection for Weak Structures: When a tooth has a large filling, especially after a significant cavity treatment, the remaining tooth structure may be weakened. A crown offers support and strength, ensuring the tooth can withstand the pressures of biting and chewing.
  • Longevity: By encasing the tooth, the crown can prolong the life of a tooth that might otherwise be at risk of breaking.
  1. Protecting a Weak Tooth from Breaking
  • Reinforcement for Fragile Teeth: Teeth weakened by decay or with cracks are susceptible to further damage. A crown acts as a shield, providing much-needed strength to the tooth.
  • Prevention of Tooth Loss: By reinforcing a weakened tooth, crowns can prevent a situation where tooth extraction might become necessary.
  1. Anchoring a Dental Bridge
  • Stability for Bridges: In the case of missing teeth, dental bridges require support. Crowns placed on the adjacent teeth provide this support, anchoring the bridge securely in place.
  • Distributing Forces: These crowns help in evenly distributing the forces of biting and chewing, which is essential for the longevity and effectiveness of the bridge.
  1. Covering a Dental Implant
  • Final Restoration Phase: After a dental implant is placed, a crown is typically used to complete the restoration, acting as the visible part of the tooth.
  • Aesthetics and Functionality: The crown on an implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring both the aesthetics of the smile and the practical functionality of the tooth.
  1. Cosmetic Enhancement
  • Improving Dental Appearance: Crowns are an effective solution for teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have gaps. They can be designed to match the size, shape, and color of natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of one’s smile.
  • Confidence Boosting: For many, having a visually appealing smile is a significant confidence booster, and crowns can play a vital role in achieving this.

The Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown: A Detailed Walkthrough

The process of getting a dental crown is intricate and involves several key steps to ensure the best fit, function, and aesthetics. Below is a detailed look at each stage of the procedure.

  1. Initial Examination
  • Comprehensive Assessment: The dentist begins with a thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding structures. This includes checking for signs of decay, gum disease, and assessing overall oral health.
  • X-Rays: X-rays are crucial to evaluate the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and the surrounding bone. This helps in identifying issues such as decay or infection that might be hidden below the gum line.
  • Root Canal Consideration: If the tooth is found to be extensively decayed or infected, a root canal treatment may be necessary before proceeding with the crown. This treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further issues.
  1. Tooth Preparation
  • Reshaping: The tooth is reshaped by filing down along the top and sides to make space for the crown. This step is crucial as it ensures that the crown will fit properly and align correctly with your bite and adjacent teeth.
  • Extent of Preparation: The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of crown being used. For instance, all-metal crowns might require less tooth structure removal than porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
  1. Impressions
  • Creating a Mold: Once the tooth is reshaped, an impression of it, along with the surrounding teeth, is taken. This can be done with a putty-like material or digitally using advanced intraoral scanners.
  • Custom Fabrication: The impression serves as a blueprint for the dental laboratory to fabricate the custom crown. This process ensures that the crown will fit seamlessly with your natural bite and adjacent teeth.
  • Color Matching: The dentist also selects a shade for the crown that matches the color of your existing teeth for a natural appearance.
  1. Temporary Crown
  • Immediate Protection: While the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. This crown is typically made of acrylic or a similar material and is cemented with temporary adhesive, allowing it to be easily removed later.
  • Purpose: The temporary crown protects the prepared tooth, reduces sensitivity, and maintains the proper space in your bite for the permanent crown.
  1. Final Fitting
  • Permanent Crown Placement: Once your custom-made crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cleans the tooth. The new crown is then tried on to ensure a perfect fit, correct bite, and appealing appearance.
  • Adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage. This might include trimming the crown or adjusting the color for a seamless blend with your natural teeth.
  • Cementing: Once both you and the dentist are satisfied with the fit and look, the crown is cemented in place, completing the restoration.

Caring for Your Dental Crown: Ensuring Durability and Health

Proper care of your dental crown is crucial for its longevity and for maintaining overall oral health. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for your dental crown effectively:

  1. Oral Hygiene: The Cornerstone of Crown Care
  • Brushing Regularly: Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be gentle around the crown to avoid dislodging it. Using toothpaste that is not overly abrasive can help maintain the crown’s surface.
  • Flossing: Floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the crown. Slide the floss rather than snapping it between the teeth to avoid putting pressure on the crown.
  • Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist every six months or as recommended. These visits allow for professional cleaning of the crown and monitoring its condition and the health of the surrounding gum and teeth.
  • Rinse with Mouthwash: Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep the area around the crown clean and free from harmful bacteria.
  1. Avoiding Hard Foods: Preventing Physical Damage
  • Chewing Habits: Avoid chewing hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts with your crowned tooth as it can cause chipping or even dislodging of the crown.
  • Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can also be problematic as they can pull at the crown, potentially weakening its bond with the tooth.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: Be cautious with very hot or cold foods and drinks as the crowned tooth might be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
  1. Using Night Guards: Protecting Against Grinding
  • Bruxism Protection: If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), a night guard is essential. Grinding can put excessive pressure on the crown, leading to damage over time.
  • Custom-Fitted Guards: Your dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted night guard that will protect both the crown and your natural teeth from the wear and tear caused by grinding.
  1. Additional Tips for Crown Care
  • Avoiding Harmful Habits: Habits like biting fingernails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging can damage your dental crown.

Monitor for Discomfort or Changes: If you experience discomfort, sensitivity, or notice changes in the fit or feel of the crown, contact your dentist. Early intervention can prevent more significant issues.

A dental crown does more than restore a tooth. It protects your smile, improves function, and helps you feel confident every time you eat, speak, or smile. At Today’s Dentistry, we make the process simple, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.

Let us help you protect and enhance your smile. Schedule your crown consultation today.

Josh Westerberg, Licensed Denturist

Nampa Downtown

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Boise

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Josh Westerberg was born and raised in Caldwell and Nampa, Idaho, and has spent nearly his entire life serving patients throughout the Treasure Valley. His passion for denture care began at just 15 years old while working at his grandfather’s denture clinic, Public Denture, where he quickly developed a love for helping people restore their smiles and confidence.

After graduating from Vallivue High School in 2003, Josh attended Boise State University, earning his degree in Business Management in 2008 — all while continuing to work in the family business. Following graduation, he continued his education in Denturitry, completed his internship, and became a licensed Denturist in 2010 after successfully passing the Idaho State Board Exam.

In 2017, Josh purchased the family business and rebranded it as New Smile. Through years of dedication, sacrifice, and countless hours of hard work, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening  The Denture Company in Nampa — creating a unique office where patients could receive extractions, dentures, implants, and specialty care all under one roof with multiple specialists working together to provide comprehensive treatment. The success of the practice later led to the opening of a second location in Boise.

Over the course of his career, Josh has personally handcrafted more than 20,000 dentures. He takes tremendous pride in his work and genuinely loves what he does. For Josh, dentistry is more than a profession — it’s an opportunity to change lives, restore confidence, and build lasting relationships with patients who often become like family.

Josh believes every patient deserves compassion, honesty, and exceptional care. His mission has always been to create an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected, and truly cared for throughout every step of their smile journey.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife — whom he married in 2003 — and their four amazing children. When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find him working around the family’s small farm, hunting, fishing, or enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Dr. Brant Burbank

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Burbank has been an advocate for exceptional dental care since 2015. He completed his doctorate from Creighton University School of Dentistry. While in school he took a special interest in dental materials and was privileged to publish in various dental journals three years in a row. He has enjoyed expanding his dental knowledge into his career and truly loves treating the entire family and has found he has a great talent for treating children. Outside of the office Dr. Burbank is busy playing, laughing, and cheering on his five children. Last winter he was able to share a lifelong passion for skiing and boarding when he brought his oldest daughter to the slopes. Dr. Burbank loves family time and sports so expect to see him at many community events or cheering on his kids from the sidelines at their various activities. Each year Dr. Burbank is able to find more reasons to love Treasure Valley. He is grateful to be of service to everyone who steps in his office.

Dr. Jason Hammer

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Jason B Hammer is a native Idahoan and a dedicated dental professional who has proudly lived and practiced in Nampa for over 20 years. With deep roots in Idaho, he has built his life and career around serving the community he calls home.

Dr. Hammer offers a comprehensive range of dental services, reflecting both his extensive training and commitment to patient care. His services include full mouth reconstruction, oral surgery, orthodontics such as Invisalign, root canal therapy, dental implants, and cosmetic and restorative family dentistry. Known for his gentle approach and attention to detail, he is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. His philosophy centers on making every patient feel comfortable while delivering high-quality, personalized care.

Dr. Hammer’s life reflects a strong balance of professional excellence, family dedication, and community involvement—all driven by his genuine love for helping others and making people smile.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Hammer is a devoted husband and father of six children. Family is at the heart of his life, and he enjoys spending as much time as possible with them. An avid outdoorsman, he is often found exploring Idaho’s mountains, embracing the natural beauty of the region.

When he’s not in the office or outdoors, Dr. Hammer enjoys coaching high school pole vault, sharing his enthusiasm and mentorship with young athletes. He is also actively involved in his church, serving in various capacities and contributing his time and talents to support his faith community.

Dr. Holly House

Nampa Downtown

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Caldwell

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Dr. Holly House joins our team from Kentucky, where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. After graduating, Dr. House chose to further enhance her education by completing a General Practice Residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While in residency, she received advanced training in the management of medically complex patients and broadened her expertise across all areas of dentistry.

Dr. House is passionate about making each patient feel comfortable, heard, and cared for no matter their background or dental history. She takes a comprehensive approach, with the goal of empowering her patients to feel confident in their oral health and their smiles.

Now proud to call Idaho home, Dr. House is honored to care for our community. When she is not with her patients, she loves a good cup of coffee, exploring outdoors, and hanging out with her loved ones – including her tabby cat, Simba. She’s grateful to be here and looks forward to meeting you while helping you feel at ease in the dental chair.

Dr. Klint Keller

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Klint Keller is a lifelong Nampa resident and skilled general dentist proudly serving patients with over 20 years of clinical experience. Dr. Keller provides comprehensive dental care with a special focus on dental implants, root canal therapy, full mouth rehabilitation, and clear aligner treatment.

After graduating from Nampa High School, Dr. Keller earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1998. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2002. Following dental school, he returned home to continue serving the community where he was raised.

Dr. Keller has a strong clinical interest in helping patients restore both function and confidence through advanced dental procedures. He particularly enjoys working with patients to help them learn about and receive specialized care. Dental implants replace missing teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking solutions. When needed, Dr. Keller is skilled in providing full mouth rehabilitation, which is comprehensive treatment to rebuild worn, damaged or failing teeth. Root canal therapy focuses on saving teeth with precise, comfortable endodontic care. A healthy smile is also a confident smile and clear aligners such as Invisalign, provide modern orthodontic solutions for teens and adults. Dr. Keller recognizes many have anxiety about dental care and he seeks to provide patients comfort and confidence with his approach and care. His approach focuses on long-term oral health, structural integrity, and esthetics. He strives to help patients achieve smiles that look great and function properly for years to come. Patients appreciate his straightforward communication style and commitment to helping them understand their options before making treatment decisions. From preventive care and cosmetic dentistry to complex restorative cases, his goal is to deliver thoughtful, relationship-based dentistry in a welcoming environment.

Dr. Keller and his wife, Betsy, are raising six children in Nampa. As a lifelong member of the community, he values building long-term relationships with the families he serves. His connection to the area strengthens his dedication to providing high-quality dental care to neighbors, friends, and families. When not helping patients, Dr. Keller is most often found on the basketball court playing, coaching or helping to manage the Mettle Sports Complex. Dr. Keller built the Mettle Sports Complex to be a youth sports facility to enhance the physical, mental and emotional development of Nampa and Canyon County youth. You’ll also see Dr. Keller on the sidelines as an avid high school fan and supporter of youth sports and the arts. He is also actively involved in his local church supporting individuals through compassion and friendship. 

Dr. Zachary Glaus, DDS

Boise

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Dr. Glaus grew up in both Henderson, Nevada, and Tampa Bay, Florida. He attended Brigham Young University in Idaho, where he met his wonderful wife, Taylor. They then moved to New York, where Dr. Glaus attended Touro College of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Glaus and his wife have three boys: Liam, Oliver, and Finn. They enjoy skiing, snowboarding, camping, boating, and swimming.

Dr. Glaus first had an interest in becoming a dentist while visiting his dentist as a child. The care and friendship his dentist showed him helped Dr. Glaus develop a desire to help people.

Dr. Russell Powell, DDS

Caldwell West

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Dr. Russell Powell was born and raised in Boise. He values and deeply appreciates the strong sense of community that shaped his early life. After graduating from Boise High School, he attended Boise State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Human Biology. Dentistry caught Dr. Powell’s attention through positive role models who were dental professionals. The more he learned about the field – especially the opportunity to help patients, the more he saw himself building a fulfilling career where he would be able to serve others while also providing for a family.

Dr. Powell attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During his time in dental school, he realized that becoming a general dentist offered the ideal balance of providing a wide variety of treatments, the opportunity to learn new skills, and build long-term relationships with patients. Dr. Powell was honored to be formally recognized by faculty for excellence in both general dentistry and prosthodontics. Dr. Powell is driven to provide high-quality care to every patient, every day.

Upon receiving his DDS in 2016, Dr. Powell returned to Idaho and began his career in private practice in Caldwell. The practice has grown and evolved significantly over the years, but it remains exactly where he desires to be – providing care locally and being connected to the community.

Dr. Powell is committed to continuing education and skill development. He has received specialized training in modern implant dentistry to offer patients the most up-to-date options for replacing missing teeth. This is just one example of him advancing his knowledge and skills to best serve his patients.

Dr. Powell values working alongside coworkers who are genuinely good people, forming years-long relationships with patients, restoring healthy teeth through a variety of treatments, and helping replace teeth that are missing for any reason. He especially enjoys caring for patients who have dental anxiety by helping them feel comfortable and confident during their appointment. This gentle approach is one of those most rewarding for Dr. Powell.

Dr Powell feels blessed to be a husband and father. He and his wife, Kristen, have three children, who keep life lively and fun. Dr. Powell’s hobbies include photography, camping, adventure motorcycle riding, playing guitar, running and weight training. As a family they enjoy traveling to see natural wonders and experience other cultures. On the weekends you will find him working in the yard, and smoking or grilling meat. Dr. Powell values giving back through occasional free dentistry clinics, active service in his church, and past service as a full-time missionary in Mexico.

Dr. Ryan Olson

Nampa Downtown

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Boise

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Dr. Ryan Olson received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2008 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies at BYU-Idaho and Idaho State University. After graduating from dental school, he completed a 1-year residency in general dentistry at Ft. Jackson South Carolina. There he became proficient in multiple disciplines of dentistry including wisdom teeth extraction, implant restorations, root canal therapy, crown and bridge treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal surgery.
In the summer of 2013, he and his family moved from Fort Hood, TX after serving our men and women in the US Army. Working on many young soldiers has turned Dr. Olson into an expert in wisdom teeth extraction. This experience also gave him a wealth of experience in a wide variety of dental care needs.
 When not working, Dr. Olson loves spending time with his wife and 7 children. He is very happy to be providing quality dental care for adults and children in Boise and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Melany Mallet

Nampa Downtown

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Dr. Melany Mallett was raised in a small town in Eastern Oregon. She fell in love with dentistry while working as a dental assistant in high school. Following high school, she attended the Oregon Institute of Technology and received a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. After working in Idaho as a dental hygienist for three years, Dr. Mel decided, along with the support of her husband and family, to advance her education. She attended Oregon Health & Science University and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree.
Providing comfortable, quality dentistry in a pleasant atmosphere is a priority for Dr. Mel. One of her favorite things is interacting with patients. She enjoys working with all age groups and receives great satisfaction in helping patients improve their overall oral health. Dr. Mel is a member of the American Dental Association. She and her husband, Gavin, have one young son and two fur babies (dogs). Her free time is usually spent outdoors with friends and family. She also enjoys snowboarding and curling up with a good book.

Insurances Accepted

Dental insurance can be confusing, but our team is here to help.  If you are unsure about your dental insurance coverage, please contact our office and let our team help you.

Below you will find a list of our most popular insurances! If you don’t see yours, it doesn’t mean we don’t take it! Call  our office to if we accept your plan.

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At The Denture Company, we believe cost should never stand in the way of restoring your smile. Our goal is to make paying for your care straightforward, transparent, and manageable so our community can move forward with confidence.

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We offer flexible financing through trusted providers to help make treatment more accessible. These options allow you to break the cost of care into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.

Financing options may include Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit.

Not all locations may offer every option. If you have questions, our team will help you find the best solution for your needs.

Flexible Financing Options

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  • Focused on making high-quality care accessible.

We’ve built our model to reduce unnecessary costs so more patients can get the care they need without overpaying.

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