Benefits of Dental Crowns for Oral Health

Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to cover and protect damaged, decayed, or aesthetically unappealing teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They can be crafted from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and composite resin, offering distinct benefits like durability, natural appearance, and cost-effectiveness. The procedure involves preparing the tooth, taking an impression, and fitting a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. Dental crowns are crucial in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, addressing issues such as cracked teeth, severe decay, and post-root canal protection. Proper care and maintenance, including good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, can extend the lifespan of a crown.   

Types of Dental Crowns  

Porcelain Crowns  

Porcelain crowns are renowned for their natural appearance and excellent aesthetic qualities. Made entirely from porcelain, these crowns can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, making themvirtually indistinguishablefrom natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are especially popular for restoring front teeth due to their translucency and ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Despite their beauty, porcelain crowns can be more brittle than other types, making them susceptible to chipping or cracking if exposed to excessive force.  

Ceramic Crowns  

Ceramic crowns offer a similar aesthetic appeal to porcelain crowns but are typically made from a more durable ceramic material. They provide a natural look and are biocompatible, meaning they are less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation. Ceramic crowns are an excellent choice for people with metal allergies or sensitivities. These crowns are often used for front and back teeth, balancingaestheticsand strength. Advanced ceramic materials, such as zirconia, are particularly robust, providing enhanced durability.  

Metal Crowns  

Metal crowns, made from various metal alloys, including gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium, are known for their strength and longevity. These crowns can withstand the forces of chewing and biting without wearing down. While metal crowns arehighly durable, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain or ceramic crowns, as their metallic color makes them more noticeable. For this reason, metal crowns are often used for molars and other back teeth where appearance is less of a concern. Gold crowns, in particular, arefavored for their biocompatibility and minimal wear on opposing teeth.  

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns  

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. The metal structure provides durability and support, while the porcelain overlay offers a natural appearance. PFM crowns are versatile and can be used for front and back teeth. However, the metal underneath the porcelain can sometimes be visible at the gum line, especially if the gums recede over time. Despite this, PFM crownsremainpopular for their balance of strength and aesthetics.  

Composite Resin Crowns  

Composite resin crowns are made from tooth-colored resin material that can be bonded directly to the tooth. While they are less expensive than other types of crowns, they are also less durable and more prone to wear and discoloration over time. These crowns are typically used temporarily or for restoring teeth in areas with lower bite pressure. Their main advantage lies in their affordability and ease of application, but they aregenerally recommendedfor short-term use.  

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown  

Getting a dental crown typically involves a few key steps to ensure a successful restoration. First, you will have a consultation with our dentist to assess your oral health anddetermineif a crown is the bestoptionfor addressing your dental issue. During thisinitialvisit, our dentist will discuss the types of crowns available and help you choose the most suitable material based on your needs and preferences.  

Next, the dentist in Wheat Ridge, CO, will prepare the tooth that requires the crown. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and shaping it to create a proper base for the crown. The dentist will then take impressions of your tooth and surrounding teeth, which are used to create a custom crown that fits precisely. Depending on our dentist's practice, these impressions may be taken using traditional molds or digital technology.  

After the preparation, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated. This temporary crown will remain in place until the final crown is ready, usually within a few weeks. During this period, you should avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to the temporary crown.  

Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist's office for the final fitting. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one, ensuring it fits comfortably and aligns properly with your bite. Adjustments may be made as needed to achieve the best fit. The dentist will cement the crown once satisfied with the fit and appearance.  

Finally, our dentist will provide you with instructions for caring for your new crown and schedule follow-up appointments tomonitorits condition. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the longevity and health of your dental crown. Contact us today to learn more.  

How Dental Crowns Can Improve Your Smile  

Dental crowns are a versatile solution for repairing damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth, and they can significantly enhance your smile's appearance.Visit the Trailhead Dental office at 4350 Wadsworth Blvd Suite 360, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, or call (720) 242-6803 to learn how dental crowns can fix and enhance your smile.