Maintaining oral health helps achieve a bright and confident smile. One way to improve your smile and restore oral health is with a dental crown. When a tooth becomes damaged or weakened, it requires protection to strengthen and prevent more damage. A dental crown offers the protection needed while also offering aesthetic benefits. There are different types of dental crowns that may suit your specific symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of dental crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cover that goes over an existing tooth. Crowns resemble natural teeth in shape, size, and color to ensure a seamless smile. Dental crowns serve various purposes, such as strengthening a weak tooth, restoring the form and function of a damaged tooth, improving aesthetics, and even supporting dental bridges or dental implants.
When Does a Patient Need a Dental Crown?
Dentists recommend dental crowns to address various aesthetic and oral health issues.
- Root canal treatment: After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is often placed on the treated tooth to strengthen and protect it from further damage.
- Tooth decay: When a tooth is severely decayed, a dental crown can be placed over it to prevent further damage and restore its function.
- Broken or damaged teeth: Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or fractured can be protected and reinforced with dental crowns.
- Large fillings: A crown can provide additional support if a tooth has a large filling and not enough natural tooth structure remaining.
- Cosmetic improvements: Dental crowns can also improve the appearance of a tooth, such as covering discolored or misshapen teeth or creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
How Many Types of Dental Crowns Are There?
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, ranging in strength, aesthetic appeal, and cost.
- Porcelain crowns: Porcelain crowns have been available for many years and provide a natural appearance. Plus, porcelain color matching works well to blend the crown with the surrounding teeth. Porcelain mimics the light reflection of a natural tooth for the best aesthetic crown solution.
- All-White Zirconium Crowns: All-white zirconium offers the strength of metal with the added benefit of a tooth-colored aesthetic. Zirconium is a more robust alternative than porcelain while providing a natural-looking appearance.
- Gold Metal Crowns: Gold crowns don’t offer the aesthetic appeal of porcelain or all-white zirconium. Yet, metal offers extraordinary strength. We provide gold crowns when necessary for improved function of the second molars.
What Type of Dental Crown is Most Durable?
Zirconium crowns often stand out as the top choice for durability. Zirconium is a strong material that holds up well to daily wear and tear from biting and chewing. These crowns are less prone to chipping or fracturing, making them an excellent option for back teeth that experience significant force during chewing.
However, it’s important to note that the choice of crown material should also consider aesthetic factors and the tooth’s location. Porcelain crowns are often preferred for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
What is the Safest Tooth Crown?
The safety of a dental crown primarily depends on the materials used and the expertise of the dentist. All dental crown materials are generally considered safe when properly placed and maintained. However, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to specific materials, so discussing any concerns with your dentist is crucial.
Choosing a qualified and experienced dentist who follows proper sterilization and infection control protocols during the crown placement procedure is essential. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices also contribute to the long-term safety of dental crowns.
When Do Dental Crowns Require Replacement?
Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting but wear and tear impact the crown over time. Good oral hygiene habits can extend the life of the crown. Certain factors may mean it is time to replace a crown.
- Damage: If a crown becomes cracked, chipped, or fractured, it may need replacement to restore its function and aesthetics.
- Decay: Although the crown cannot develop cavities, the area where it meets the natural tooth can be vulnerable to decay. Regular dental check-ups can help detect and address any issues early.
- Aesthetic changes: Over time, the color and appearance of dental crowns may change due to staining or wear. In such cases, replacing the crown can restore the desired aesthetics.
- Loose or detached: A loose or poorly fitting crown can lead to discomfort, pain, and complications. Replace the crown to ensure proper function and comfort.
- Gum recession: If gum recession occurs around a crown, it may expose the tooth’s root and compromise the crown’s stability. In such cases, crown replacement may be necessary.
Find Advanced and Trusted Dental Crown Care
Atlanta Smiles uses dental crowns as part of our treatment solutions. We work with each patient to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Dental crowns are versatile restorative options that can address a range of dental issues, from decay and damage to cosmetic imperfections.
If we recommend a crown, we will work with you to choose the best material to fit your oral health, budget, and aesthetic goals. Our team offers care to restore oral health, protect teeth, and create a beautiful smile.
To ensure the safety and longevity of dental crowns, proper maintenance, regular dental check-ups, and prompt replacement when necessary are crucial. With the proper care and professional guidance, dental crowns can help patients achieve not only a healthier smile but also enhanced confidence in their appearance.
Contact Atlanta Smiles to schedule an appointment to discuss your cosmetic goals and dental treatment options.