What to Know About Dental Crowns

When a dental crown is recommended, it means one or more of your teeth need repairing and support to return to normal strength.
Dental crowns can:

• Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly-shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

Dental crowns can be costly without dental insurance, but opting out of your crown results in further decline in oral health, leading to more procedures. Even if you cannot get a permanent crown right away, temporary crowns made of acrylic material can be useful until a permanent solution is in place.

What are permanent crowns?

Permanent dental crowns are made from materials that are sustainable for a maximum of 15 years. There are different types of these long-lasting crowns, the first being porcelain.

Porcelain-fused metal crowns are designed to fix the damaged tooth so you can return to chewing and eating foods comfortably. Porcelain crowns are also beneficial for fixing front teeth because they help keep your smile looking and feeling natural. Some patients prefer this kind of crown to full metal that disrupts the natural appearance of your pearly smile.

Next, there is the full porcelain dental crown that is perfect for those suffering from metal allergies and cannot receive a metal crown. Porcelain crowns provide damaged teeth with the strength necessary for everyday wear while matching the color of your current teeth so you can feel confident and comfortable when smiling. However, these types of crowns are a bit pricier than metal and may chip or crack like natural teeth can.

Lastly, there are zirconia crowns, which are the strongest of all. These are also useful for repairing rear teeth, but can wear on healthy because of their sturdy texture. The advantage to these crowns is that they are extremely thin and made to match the color of your natural teeth.

What are some thoughts to keep in mind?

Dental crowns usually require a few separate visits. Your first will be to simply x-ray the teeth, and during your next visit, the tooth will be fitted for the crown. On your final appointment, the crown is applied and you will eat, chew and smile comfortably again.

Don’t be nervous to visit our staff! Our first priority is always the comfort of our patients, and we offer many solutions to ease treatments. Schedule your appointment online at: https://www.shorelinedentalstudio.com/appointment/