One of the most successful restorations we can provide is a dental “crown.” The team at Dentistry by Angela Britt can answer your questions about crowns. Customized for your unique teeth, your crown encloses the entire tooth. The shape, color, and even the size are designed to resemble your own teeth. Delivering an aesthetically pleasing crown that allows you to chew correctly in comfort requires time, patience, and skill. When done well, they will be visually attractive and your teeth will be healthier.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are constructed from metals, including gold, stainless steel, and metal alloys. Other materials may be used with the metal, including porcelain, ceramic, and resin.
Metal crowns typically wear longer than other materials and don’t chip. Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and are often used as temporaries to be replaced with the “permanent” crown when it is finished.
The porcelain in a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can be matched to your existing teeth to provide a more natural appearance. Because the porcelain can wear from chewing and can also be chipped, they are not as long-lasting as a metal crown.
Crowns can also be completely ceramic. These crowns can look the most natural and are used for both back and front teeth.
When Crowns Might Be Used
Crowns are often the restoration of choice in many situations.
- Teeth that have internal fractures can suffer from the pressure of chewing. Placing a crown over such a tooth helps redistribute the pressure, perhaps preventing the need for additional procedures.
- Large fillings put pressure on the weakened surrounding tooth structure. Replacing large restorations with a crown can help prevent the remaining tooth from cracking and requiring additional procedures.
- Teeth become worn from chewing, and the worn cusps contribute to fractures. Covering the tooth with a crown can alleviate the pressure and prevent further damage.
- Root canal procedures save your tooth from an extraction. We may suggest that a crown then be placed over the tooth to protect it from pressure cracks caused by vigorous chewing.
- Crowns can provide a cover for your dental implant.
- Teeth worn from grinding can be restored to look natural and more aesthetically pleasing.
- Damage from accidental trauma or severe decay can be fixed through restorative crowns.
- Crowns that are carefully made can compensate for gaps between teeth to provide a more beautiful smile.
- Discolored and misshapen teeth can be restored to provide you with a natural, beautiful smile.
Crowns are one type of restoration available for creating your perfect smile. Deciding which restorations are the best for your unique situation requires a thorough understanding of your needs. Please call our office to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Brunswick, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
