Restore Damaged Teeth With Dental Crowns

A crown, also known as a cap, is a type of dental restoration that completely covers the visible portion of a tooth. Its purpose is to strengthen and protect the tooth structure. It also improves the appearance of your teeth by restoring their shape and size and even improving their color.

During your appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. Then, they will place the custom-made crown in your mouth. Once the crown is in place, you are ready to go! Most crowns last between five to fifteen years. You should care for it as you would your natural teeth: brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also avoid chewing hard items like ice and hard candy.

How Is a Dental Crown Placed?

Once a tooth has been prepped for the crown, an impression will be taken of your tooth and the surrounding teeth so the laboratory can create your crown. Your tooth will be filed down to make room for the dental crown. Next, your dentist will make an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. Then a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it until your permanent crown is ready.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

Metal-fused to metal, or “silver” crowns, are one of the oldest and most durable types of crowns available. They are made of a combination of metals, such as nickel and chromium, fused together under high heat. Because of this, they are often quite strong and durable. Since they are made of metal, they are very opaque compared to other types of crown materials. In addition, silver crowns tend to show dark stains left on the surfaces of the teeth where they are seated. For this reason, they are not the best choice for patients who are prone to cavities or decay.

Porcelain-fused metal crowns are similar to silver crowns in that they are composed of a mix of metals as well as porcelain particles. However, these are often less opaque than silver crowns because the porcelain is not as dense. As a result, these types of crowns are not as resistant to staining as silver ones.

Ceramic crowns are made of a strong type of ceramic material. Because they are most like natural teeth in color, these crowns are the most cosmetically pleasing kind of crown. Like porcelain-fused metal crowns, they are also less prone to staining than the silver alternative.

All-porcelain dental crowns are completely made of translucent ceramic. These crowns are very durable, making them a great choice for patients with a lot of bite force or who grind their teeth at night. They are also very aesthetic since they have no metallic color to them at all. All-porcelain crowns are not as strong as other materials, however, so they are not always a good choice for patients with bruxism or a high bite force.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?

If you’re dealing with a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth, you may want to consider getting a dental crown. Unlike a simple filling, a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. This not only improves the appearance of the tooth but also strengthens it to prevent further damage.

A crown is often recommended when a tooth is cracked or otherwise damaged and can’t be filled properly. Since crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth, they can also help strengthen your teeth and prevent further cracking and chipping. Plus, since they’re custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, they can dramatically improve your smile! Our team is also highly-trained at placing dental crowns and will make sure that the crown looks and feels great once it’s been placed in your mouth.

Visit Rosemont Dental Center, 2090 Old Farm Dr #C, Frederick, MD 21702, or contact the Dentist in Frederick, MD, by calling us at (301) 663-1144 to learn more.