Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are cap-like restorations that go over teeth. They fix damaged teeth by improving their size, shape, and function while also protecting and enhancing the tooth’s appearance. But what are crowns for teeth your dentist may recommend?
Dental crowns are made from materials such as porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic. Learning why tooth crowns are beneficial in specific cases provides valuable insights.
Reasons for Getting Dental Crowns
- Protecting Weak Teeth: Teeth weakened by cavities, large fillings, or root canal therapy can break easily. A dental crown protects these damaged teeth and adds strength.
- Restoring Broken Teeth: A dental crown can repair fractured or broken teeth, allowing them to function correctly without pain or sensitivity.
- Supporting Dental Bridges: Dental crowns are essential for supporting dental bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth.
- Aesthetic Reasons: Dental crowns improve the look of crowded or misaligned teeth and can cover discolored, misshapen, or misaligned teeth.
- Dental Implant Restoration: Dental crowns complete the restoration process for dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots placed in the jaw.
Comparing Different Types of Dental Crowns
- Stainless Steel: These are temporary crowns used until a permanent crown is ready. They are cost-effective and durable for short-term use.
- Metals: Made from various alloys, metal crowns are durable and require less tooth removal but have a less aesthetic metallic appearance, typically used on molars.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: These crowns offer the strength of metal with a more natural porcelain appearance, suitable for visible teeth, though they may wear down opposing teeth over time.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: These crowns provide a natural look and are ideal for those with metal allergies, best used for front teeth but are not as strong as metal-based crowns.
- Resin: Resin crowns are less expensive but wear down faster and are less durable than other types.
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process typically involves two dental visits:
- First Appointment: The dentist examines the tooth and prepares it by removing any decay and reshaping it. Impressions are taken and sent to a lab for the crown. A temporary crown is placed.
- Second Appointment: The dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the tooth, and fits the permanent crown. Adjustments are made to ensure proper fit before cementing it permanently.
Book an Appointment
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our dentists and teams at Grand Family Dentistry, we invite you to contact us in Mandeville, Louisiana. We are here to help with all your dental crown needs!