If you find yourself in need of dental crowns, you have many options to consider. These devices come in a wide range of materials and will restore the strength and appearance of your teeth.
Dental crowns are basically a "cap" that is placed over a tooth. The goal of these caps is to restore the shape and size of the tooth,
increase its strength, or make it look better. For those who need them, these caps can make a world of difference for their oral health.
Who Needs Them?
Many people may need to have a crown. Often, they are used to protect weak teeth from breaking or to hold together a tooth that has already cracked but not broken away completely. If a tooth has chipped or become worn down, a crown can restore its functionality.
Sometimes people with severe tooth decay will have large fillings in their mouths. This can severely weaken a tooth. These devices can cover and support a tooth in this condition to keep it from falling out and allow the individual to regain the use of the tooth.
These appliances may also be used to cover misshapen teeth, implants, and dental bridges. Finally, people who have severely discolored teeth can use a crown to cover the bad tooth and restore their appearance.
Types of Dental Crowns
You can get a crown made out of a variety of materials. Sometimes for back teeth that do not show, dentists will use metal. This allows the dentist to leave in much of the existing tooth and also cuts down on the wear and tear on the teeth surrounding the crown. These crowns rarely break or chip, making them one of the most durable solutions.
Porcelain can be fused to metal to give the benefits of metal without the color issue. However, the porcelain does wear more on the surrounding teeth than metal, and the porcelain can break or chip. On the other hand, these look almost like natural teeth.
All-resin are the cheapest solution, but also the least durable. They are prone to fractures and will wear down over time, so patients getting a crown early in their lifetime may need a replacement in time.
All-ceramic and all-porcelain provide the best color matching available for dental crowns. They work well for people who are allergic to metals, but they do not have the strength of metal and will wear down other teeth in the mouth. Most people who need a crown for a front tooth will choose all-ceramic or all-porcelain because of how natural they look.
Finally, patients will sometimes have temporary dental crowns placed in their mouth at the dentist’s office. These are made of stainless steel or acrylic and are used to restore the tooth while waiting for the permanent crown to come from the laboratory. If the deterioration or damage is severe or causing pain, your dentist will likely use a temporary crown.
If you feel that you have teeth that need dental crowns, schedule a visit with your dentist to see if he agrees with you. If so, your dentist will explain the process and what preparation you need before you can have a crown. For severe decay, you may need a root canal. Otherwise, the dentist will prepare the tooth and schedule its crowning day, and soon you will have use of the damaged tooth once again.
