Dental Crowns at Aspire Family Dentistry, Lewiston, ME

At Aspire Family Dentistry in Lewiston, ME, we specialize in gentle and lasting dental restorations. Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for reinforcing teeth that are fragile, fractured, or eroded. Approximately 15 million adults in the US have undergone procedures for crown and bridge replacements to address missing teeth, highlighting their importance in dental health. Our goal is to safeguard your smile and enhance your bite. Our dedicated team is eager to assist with all your dental concerns. Call us today at (207) 784-5769 to arrange your consultation!

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What Are Dental Crowns and When Are They Needed

At Aspire Family Dentistry, we often recommend dental crowns when a tooth needs a second chance. A crown is a custom-crafted shell that completely encases a weakened or fractured tooth, restoring its original shape, sturdiness, and function. Beyond fortifying teeth, crowns also significantly enhance their appearance. If a tooth is oddly shaped, deeply stained, or chipped in a way that concerns you, a crown can restore its balance with your other teeth. Crowns help by:

They help by:

• Shielding fragile or compromised teeth
• Making eating and speaking feel effortless again
• Refining your smile's overall symmetry

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Types of Dental Crowns and How to Pick the Right One

At Aspire Family Dentistry, we offer several varieties of crowns to fit your tooth's position, function, and aesthetic goals. Each material offers distinct advantages. Some notable types include:

Some of the notable types include:

• Porcelain or ceramic: Ideal for front teeth due to their natural translucency.
• Metal: Such as gold or platinum, praised for their endurance.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: This option combines strength with surface charm.
• Zirconia: A tough, subtly tinted choice suitable for nearly any tooth.

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The Dental Crown Process Made Simple

The process is methodical but far from intimidating, usually spread across two visits.

We begin by assessing the tooth and gently sculpting it to make space. Then we:

• Capture precise impressions of your reshaped tooth
• Fit a provisional crown to safeguard it temporarily
• Send your mold to a dental lab to design the permanent crown

On your second visit, the provisional comes off, and the final crown is seated, adjusted, and polished. We ensure the fit is spot-on and the appearance is seamless. For some patients, same-day crowns are possible using advanced imaging tech. Whatever the timeline, we make it smooth and reassuring from start to finish.

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Why Dental Crowns Are Good for Your Teeth and Your Smile

A dental crown is a quiet powerhouse. Aspire Family Dentistry uses crowns to salvage what's left of a troubled tooth, adding strength, structure, and stability. But the perks go beyond the practical.

Crowns also help revive your smile's appearance. If it's an off-color, jagged, or oddly shaped tooth, a crown can refresh the way your smile presents itself—more cohesive, more you.

Why people love them:

• They endure wear and tear for years
• They help restore bite and balance
• They elevate both comfort and confidence
• They look convincingly natural

There's a reason we reach for crowns time and time again—they solve problems quietly but thoroughly.

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How to Make Your Dental Crown Last Longer

A dental crown is a sturdy companion, but even the strongest restorations need thoughtful upkeep. At Aspire Family Dentistry, we want your crown to stay new and functional for as long as possible—often 10–15 years, sometimes longer.

To extend its lifespan:

• Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride paste
• Thread floss gently around the crown each day
• Steer clear of hard items like ice, jawbreakers, or bottle caps
• Don't use your teeth as stand-ins for tools
• Keep up with regular checkups to catch issues early

If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard can be an extra layer of protection. The little habits matter—they go a long way toward keeping your crown untroubled.

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How Dental Crowns Compare to Other Fixes

Aspire Family Dentistry offers several ways to restore a damaged tooth—crowns, fillings, veneers, and onlays. Each solution has its place, but crowns are often the go-to when strength, coverage, and longevity are top priorities.

Veneers enhance the visible surface of front teeth. Fillings repair small cavities. Onlays fix damage that isn't quite full-tooth but more than a filling can handle. Crowns, however, offer full armor.

They're often the right fit when:

• A large part of the tooth is compromised
• The tooth is brittle from prior treatments
• You want something that's both durable and discreet

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Meet Our Doctor

Dr. Sang Joon Lee

Dr. Lee was born in South Korea and came to the US at the age of 10. He holds a Biological Sciences degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He then attended Tufts University's School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Dr. Lee conducted research at Tufts and received the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Hilde Tilman Award. He presented findings on the HPV vaccine's capacity to lessen the incidence of mouth cancer at a dentistry conference. Dr. Lee also teaches dentistry students about oral surgery and volunteers in Africa and Jamaica to help the communities.