Many people have a beautiful smile with just a few flaws that they are embarrassed about. This causes them to not smile as much, which is such a shame. The good news is that these people can get a smile they are proud of easily with dental crowns. Learning about dental crowns can help you perfect your smile, so you’ll love to show off your pearly whites.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed on top of teeth. Just like you would put a crown on top of a queen’s head to improve her appearance, dental crowns improve the appearance of teeth.
Appearance isn’t the only thing that dental crowns improve, though. They can also improve:
· Strength
· Size
· Shape
The only difference dental crowns have to crowns worn on the head (besides the obvious oral use) is that they cover the entire tooth all the way to the gum line. The crowns are cemented to ensure they remain in place.
How to Know You May Need a Dental Crown
There are several reasons someone may need a crown:
· A tooth is decayed and cannot survive without being supported.
· It can be used as preventative care for children who have a high risk for tooth decay.
· It restored a broken or worn down tooth.
· It covers a tooth that has been filled and there’s not a lot of tooth left.
· You need to hold a dental bridge in place.
· You need to cover a dental implant.
Only an experienced dentist can advise you about the need for a dental crown. Be sure to ask your dentist about it if you fall into any of these reasons for getting one.
Type of Crowns Available
Many types of dental crowns are available:
· Stainless steel – These are used temporarily while the permanent crowns are being made. Many children receive stainless steel crowns because they are cost effective and are applied much more easily compared to other types.
· Metals – Dentists recommend this crown when there isn’t as much tooth structure to remove. They are durable because they withstand biting and chewing, which can wear down other types of crowns.
· Porcelain-fused-to-metal – These are perfect for cosmetic reasons because they match the color of your other teeth. The only issue people often report is that they are more likely to chip and break off compared to metal ones.
· All resin – These are less expensive and permanent. They do wear down over time, so you will probably need to replace them in the future.
· All ceramic or porcelain – These are also color matched to your other teeth and are great for people who are allergic to metal. They are not as strong as the porcelain-fused-to-metal, though.
Find Out More from a St. George Dentist
With so many dental crowns available, it’s important to speak to your St. George dentist. He will be able to recommend the best ones for you, and then you can decide which one you would like. Call Bridge Creek Dental today for more information.