08
Jan
Dental crowns: One type of restoration, so many different uses!
Our family is pleased to serve your family in Byron Center, Michigan. And patients of all ages and with all sorts of needs can benefit from dental crowns at VanderLaan Family Dentistry. Finding a more versatile dental procedure is more difficult than the humble crown. Dr. Matthew VanderLaan and our team are pleased to acquaint you with many options to support your most attractive and healthy smile with crowns.
No. 1: Crowns for damaged and weak teeth
While no body structure is stronger than tooth enamel, the teeth may become threatened in numerous ways. Progressive tooth decay, gum disease, cracks, and other trauma and injuries can all weaken the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to further and potentially irreparable damage. The dentist clears away any damaged tissue and positions the crown over the tooth to reinforce it, helping to prevent extraction or tooth loss.
No. 2: Crowns post-root canal treatment
Root canal therapy may be your only chance to “save” a tooth with deep internal damage. After completing the treatment and removing the source of infection or inflammation inside the tooth, placing the crown serves as the “finishing touch” or final step in the process. Crowns effectively prevent reinfection and strengthen a tooth that may remain vulnerable and weakened following root canal treatment.
No. 3: Crowns for big cosmetic cases
Dental bonding or porcelain veneers cannot treat all cosmetic imperfections. Those treatments are largely appropriate for the most visible teeth, and a certain amount of natural enamel is required for the veneer or composite resin material to “bond” to the tooth. When these cosmetic dentistry procedures are not suitable, Dr. VanderLaan may recommend placing a dental crown on top of a poorly shaped, oddly sized, or otherwise “imperfect” tooth.
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New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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No. 4: Crowns to anchor a dental bridge
Crowns not only rebuild portions of a damaged tooth but can also replace a tooth that has fallen out or needs to be extracted due to irreversible damage. Typically, crowns are fused to at least one replacement tooth, also known as a “pontic.” This three-unit restoration is known as a “dental bridge.” Once secured to the neighboring teeth on either side of the space where a tooth used to be, the dental bridge fills that gap. The crowns serve an important role by holding the bridge in place.
No. 5: Crowns to restore a dental implant
For our patients at VanderLaan Family Dentistry who are missing a tooth but don’t want a bridge, dental implants are a highly stable and durable way to restore the appearance and healthy function of the smile. Once the implant is securely fixed in the jawbone, the crown is placed. The implant is a root that holds the replacement tooth (the crown) in place.
These are not just run-of-the-mill crowns at VFD, either. Due to our extensive on-site technologies, we can make your crown without the wait and in one visit. We can also fabricate those crowns with solid and stunning BruxZir® zirconia. To find out more about your many options to rebuild a portion or all of a tooth, give our team in Byron Center, MI, a call today at (616) 288-2554.
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.