What is a dental crown?
- A dental crown restores a tooth’s shape, size, and strength, and improves the tooth’s natural appearance. The crown, or “cap,” is placed over the tooth or dental implant, fully encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth. Once the crown is fully bonded in place, only a dentist can remove it.
- A crown will normally last from 5 to 15 years with proper care and good oral hygiene.
- A crown will look and feel like a natural tooth!
Why would you need a dental crown?
- When a tooth is broken, worn down, or has been damaged from dental decay, clenching or grinding, or in some other way, a dental crown is needed to protect the weak tooth from breaking down further. If the tooth is cracked, the crown will hold the parts of the cracked tooth together.
- Crowns may be used to cover and support a tooth with a very large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left, or after root canal treatment, or to cover a dental implant
- Crowns may be used to hold a dental bridge in place.
- Crowns may be used to improve your smile by covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Crowns may also be used on children when a tooth is damaged by decay and unable to be supported by a dental filling.
What type of dental crown is right for you?
There are 3 main types of dental crowns, each using different types of materials. Your dentist will recommend the best type of dental crown for you based on your unique needs. Typically, this requires that your dentist evaluate the chewing placement and structure of the tooth or dental implant.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are great for front teeth because these types of crowns will provide the best natural color match to the rest of your teeth, ensuring that you maintain your beautiful smile. Porcelain crowns do not contain any metal, and they are strong and very resistant to wear. Porcelain crowns can also be used for back teeth.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are strong and normally last the longest in terms of wear down. Metal crowns rarely chip or break. Metal crowns may be recommended for back teeth because the strength of the metal allows the crown to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, and your back teeth are where these forces are the greatest.
Metal crowns are a good choice for teeth that are out of sight. These crowns also require minimal removal of tooth structure
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be used for front or back teeth, and their advantage is that they look like natural teeth but are also strong because of the metal material.
However, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns require the removal of more tooth structure than the other types of dental crowns, which may lead to more patient discomfort during the treatment procedure.
Talk to Your Dentist About Restoring Your Tooth with a Dental Crown
If you have a broken, worn down, or damaged tooth, you may need a dental crown to restore your tooth. At Northern Edge Dentistry, Dr. Pham will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure, and will recommend the best type of crown for you based on your unique needs. Dr. Pham will discuss your treatment options with you and answer all of your questions.
If you think that you may be in need of a dental crown, or if you just want to hear more about dental crowns and what your options may be, call or email us today to schedule your appointment. We’re here to help.