A cracked tooth. A filling that’s seen better days. A smile you’re not quite confident in. Dental crowns are one of the most effective restorative solutions we offer at Hawkes Dental—and they can do more than just repair damage. They can restore your confidence and protect your long-term oral health, because a healthy smile is part of a healthy you.
At Hawkes Dental, we bring extensive expertise and real experience to every crown procedure. Dr. Cody Hawkes combines his background as a registered nurse with his dental training to understand how your oral health connects to your overall wellness. He’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and stays current with the latest restorative techniques through continuous education. We don’t just fix teeth—we help you build a foundation for lifelong health, backed by evidence-based care and genuine compassion.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth above the gumline. It helps restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function while protecting the remaining natural structure underneath.
Crowns can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, depending on the location of the tooth and your individual needs.
For teeth that show when you smile, tooth-colored materials can be selected to blend closely with the surrounding teeth.
Why You Might Need a Crown
Crowns can help restore teeth affected by several types of damage. They may be recommended to protect a tooth weakened by a large filling, root canal treatment, or significant decay, as well as to restore a tooth that has cracked, chipped, or worn down.
A crown can also improve the shape or appearance of certain teeth, support a dental bridge, or restore a dental implant. Dr. Hawkes will evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains and discuss whether a crown or another restorative option makes the most sense for you.
The Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically takes place over a series of appointments. Dr. Hawkes first evaluates the tooth and prepares it so the crown can fit securely. Detailed impressions or measurements are then taken and used to create a restoration designed for your tooth and bite.
A temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is being made. Once your permanent crown is ready, Dr. Hawkes checks its fit, shape, and bite, makes any needed adjustments, and secures it in place.
Our team will also explain how to care for the tooth while you have a temporary crown and after your final restoration is placed.
Crown Materials and Options
Different crown materials offer different advantages, so the right choice depends on where the tooth is located, the amount of chewing pressure it receives, and your cosmetic preferences. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are often selected for visible areas because they can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Metal-containing crowns can provide additional durability in areas that experience heavier biting forces. Dr. Hawkes will review the available options with you and explain how appearance, strength, tooth location, and your individual bite factor into the recommendation.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, many dental crowns last about 10 to 15 years, and some can last longer depending on the material, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits.
Their lifespan depends on several factors, including the crown material, your bite, oral hygiene habits, and how much daily wear the restoration receives.
Regular exams allow Dr. Hawkes to monitor the crown, the supporting tooth, and the surrounding gums for changes. Identifying wear, damage, or problems around the edges of the restoration early can help protect both the crown and the natural tooth beneath it.
Caring for Your Crown
Although a crown covers and protects part of your tooth, the natural tooth structure underneath can still develop decay or other problems.
To take good care of your crown, we recommend that you:
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Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the crown, and pay particular attention to the area where the restoration meets your gumline.
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Avoid habits such as chewing ice, biting hard objects, or using your teeth to open packages.
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Talk with Dr. Hawkes if you also grind your teeth. He can evaluate whether additional protection, such as a custom nightguard, may be appropriate.
Are Dental Crowns Right for You?
Not every damaged or weakened tooth requires a crown. During your evaluation, Dr. Hawkes will examine the remaining tooth structure, your bite, the location of the damage, and your overall oral health before recommending treatment.
Whenever possible, our goal is to preserve healthy natural tooth structure and choose a restoration that fits your individual needs.
If a more conservative treatment is appropriate, Dr. Hawkes will discuss that option with you as well so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Why Choose Hawkes Dental for Your Crown
Dr. Cody Hawkes brings an additional health perspective to restorative dentistry through his previous experience as a registered nurse. He has practiced dentistry since 2020 and completes continuing education courses at least monthly to stay current with research, technology, and evolving treatment techniques.
He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a member of the Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and Academy of Oral and Systemic Health.
That commitment to continued learning supports the way Dr. Hawkes approaches restorative care at Hawkes Dental. He considers the condition of the tooth, your bite, surrounding tissues, and your long-term oral health before recommending a crown. Our team also takes time to explain your options, answer questions, and help you understand how to protect your restoration after treatment so your crown becomes part of a broader plan for maintaining your oral health.
Restore and Protect Your Tooth
A damaged or weakened tooth does not always need to be removed. A dental crown may help preserve the remaining tooth structure, restore comfortable function, and protect the tooth from additional damage.
Contact Hawkes Dental at (517) 542-2357 to schedule a visit in Litchfield and find out whether a dental crown is right for you.
