Dental Crowns: Using Modern Dentistry to Fix Ancient Problems

Dental crowns are oral health caps that can cover teeth, both protecting them from harm and improving their appearance. These caps cover the entire tooth from the very end all the way up to the gums. People get them for various reasons and they are available in a variety of materials. The materials used may depend on the function they are meant to serve, the cost, and the dentist’s preference. Here is an overview of a few of the problems these medical marvels are used to solve and some of the variations in their construction.

People who have broken or chipped teeth due to an eating mishap, an injury sustained in a fight, a car accident, or any other type of unexpected event are often the best candidates for dental crowns. Through happenstance, they are faced with teeth that no longer look great when they open their mouths to smile. But vanity is only part of the reason people consider going in and getting the caps. The other issue is that a broken tooth is simply asking for trouble, health wise. Cavities can quickly form in a broken tooth, as the pulp is easily exposed to bacteria and other harmful agents. Placing a protective covering over the tooth acts as a replacement for the valuable enamel.

Many times, dental crowns act as a viable solution for people who are simply unhappy with the way a tooth looks. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a perfect set of teeth genetically. Sometimes one tooth grows in a bit smaller than the others. Sometimes a tooth looks gray and dead, even if there isn’t anything wrong with it from a health standpoint. Covering these teeth with a cap can make an enormous difference in the person’s appearance and in the way they are treated by others. It may seem like a small thing to people who have never had such problems, but those who have been there know what a difference it makes.

The vast majority of dental crowns are made from either porcelain or ceramics. Both of these materials are very durable, and they can be dyed to match the rest of the teeth in such a way that they won’t stand out. If there is a disadvantage to choosing these materials, it is that there are other, better options when it comes to strength and the potential to last a long time. For instance, metal is a common material that will rarely break, no matter what might be thrown at it. Unfortunately, if the tooth is front and center, the appearance may not be exactly what the patient wants. The best decision is to talk to your dentist, look at all of the available options, and pick the one that provides the best compromise of strength, durability, and appearance.