Dental crowns can be an effective option for those who are experiencing cavity damaged, cracked, or endodontically (root canal) treated teeth. They may also be used to improve patients’ overall smile and confidence. If you are looking to find a solution to one of these problems, we’re here to help you learn more about dental crowns and their benefits.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
The purpose of the crown (final or temporary) determines the material used for them. The two most common materials used for crowns are Metal or Porcelain. There are different types of metal, such as gold or nickel, that can be used and also different types of porcelain.
Metal/Gold | Dental Crowns
Metal crowns are strong, long-lasting, and carry the advantage that less of your natural tooth needs to be reduced for them to fit. These crowns are typically used for back molars or teeth that are not as visible so that the compromised aesthetics matters less. They can also be less expensive if nonprecious metals are used.
Porcelain Fused to Metal | Dental Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal is an option that brings the durability of metal crowns, with the appeal and appearance of porcelain crowns. The porcelain caps resemble the look of a natural tooth and are attached to the metal base while being fused together. This option is the most popular with patients since it combines the aesthetics of ceramic with the durability of metal.
Ceramic | Dental Crowns
Ceramic crowns are designed with aesthetics in mind. They are a good option for the anterior teeth but are not ideal for the back where higher forces are encountered. With modern dental labs, the aesthetic outcomes that can be achieved are very impressive.
Helps Protect and Complete Restorative Treatment
Dealing with cracked, rotten, chipped, or infected teeth can be very uncomfortable and cause your teeth to ache. Dental crowns can ultimately reinforce the damage done to the enamel by these causes and ultimately help to protect the remaining tooth structure. If you are experiencing any of these problems or discomfort with your teeth, dental crowns are a very effective treatment that can help you keep your natural teeth.
Dental Crowns Can Boost Your Confidence
Along with the benefits of treatment used with crowns, they can be used cosmetically to enhance your smile and improve your confidence! Dental crowns bring cosmetic benefits such as correcting discoloration or staining on your teeth, misalignment, and/or worn down teeth. With this comes the chance for you to have the teeth you’ve truly wanted!
How do they work
The procedure often involves two visits to the office. The first will require the dentist to reduce the tooth in all dimensions and take an impression. This impression is then sent to a lab. Sometimes you receive a temporary crown that holds your tooth in place while the lab makes the final crown.
At the lab, a technician will carefully design a prosthesis to seal off your tooth and match it closely to your other teeth following the dentist’s prescription. When the crown is ready, you will return for your final appointment. The dentist will then try the crown in place and if all is well, the crown will be cemented in place with a luting agent. Since the crown was made to an exact impression, it is nearly impossible to separate the crown from the tooth.
As you have learned, dental crowns can be beneficial for those who are looking for protection and treatment for damaged and/or heavily restored teeth. They are also versatile enough to help those who are simply looking for a more aesthetically pleasing smile! Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns and we will help come up with a treatment specifically designed for you! Call us today to book an appointment at (705) 526-6441. We look forward to hearing from you!