Introduction to Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom cap placed on a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Once cemented, crowns protect the tooth by becoming its new external surface. They are renowned for being long-lasting, functional, and resembling natural teeth.
Learn about dental crowns, their various types, and their pros and cons to make informed choices. Choose the best dental crown based on your needs, preferences, and dentist’s advice.
Reasons for Crowns
Get a dental crown to protect weak teeth, restore broken teeth, or cover discolored ones. Crowns also act as coverage for a dental implant or hold a dental bridge in place.
Dentists use impressions to create crowns in a lab. You receive a temporary crown while awaiting the fabrication of the permanent one.
The Material Matters: Different Types of Crowns
There are four main types of crowns: ceramic, porcelain, metal, and alloys. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of each material:
- Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: These offer the best natural color match and are ideal for those with metal allergies. Best used for front teeth, they are aesthetically superior but less durable than metal crowns, prone to chipping and breaking.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: These crowns combine a metal base with a porcelain exterior, providing strength, durability, and a pleasing aesthetic. However, the metal layer can become visible at the gum line over time, especially if the gums recede.
- Gold Alloy Crowns: Made from a gold-copper alloy, these crowns are durable and offer a strong bond without wearing down opposing teeth. They are biocompatible with gum tissue but their metallic color limits their use to less visible areas.
- Base Metal Alloys Crowns: These crowns are made from non-noble metals with high corrosion resistance, requiring minimal tooth removal and offering durability. Their metallic appearance makes them suitable for back teeth.
Choosing the Right Dental Crown
The choice of dental crown depends on several factors including the location of the tooth, the color of surrounding teeth, the amount of tooth remaining, and the tooth’s function.
Your dentist will help you select the best crown for your needs, focusing on both health and aesthetics. Remember, dental crowns require good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to last between 5 to 15 years. A healthy diet and avoiding hard foods and objects also extend the life of a crown.
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 restoration needs!