Choosing a Dental Crown
A crown is a dental restoration that covers your entire tooth. It used to be that any crown had to have some metal in it for strength. Dental crowns are one of Dentistry’s most versatile types of restorations. Beyond just offering a way to rebuild and strengthen a compromised tooth, they also provide a way by which a tooth’s overall appearance can be significantly changed.
So, your Dentist has recommended to you that you have a tooth that needs a dental crown. They have explained the reasons why the crown should be placed and now a decision must be made as to what type of dental crown should be placed.
What are the different types of Dental Crowns?
- Metal. These crowns rarely chip or break and can withstand biting and chewing forces well and probably last the longest in terms of wear down.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain fused metal crowns. These are a combination that mix porcelain and metal together. Even though metal is used, it still provides a natural looking appearance because the metal is only on the inner surface of the tooth.
- All Resin. These are less expensive than other crown types, but they wear down over time.
- All Ceramic/Porcelain. This is the type of crown that a true cosmetic dentist will almost always place on a front tooth. It is made entirely of porcelain or other ceramic material.
A dentist might recommend placing a dental crown for a variety of reasons but, in general, most of these reasons will usually fall within one of the following categories:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
One of the major benefits of getting dental crowns is that your teeth will no longer be a source of physical discomfort. The dental crowns will protect your teeth from further damage as well as protecting your teeth
from any agents that may cause sensitivity or pain. By capping the decomposed tooth, your smile will look just as good as new.