Crowns are a common dental treatment. Crown placements can save badly decayed or damaged teeth. Millions of people are walking around with crowned teeth and you probably have never noticed. At one time crowns were all-metal so they were noticeable, but today they don’t have to be. All-metal crowns are still used for certain treatment modalities, but more often crowns just blend right in. Dental crowns are the treatment of choice when the tooth is too decayed for a filling, yet can still be saved. Has your tooth earned a crown?
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a replacement tooth that is fabricated in the shape of the original tooth. The damaged or decayed tooth is filed down to make room for the crown and the crown, also referred to as a cap, is placed over the damaged tooth and cemented into place. Crowns are a minimally invasive way to save a tooth and come in many dental materials.
Dental Crown Materials
There are three types of crown materials to choose from: all-metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and some dentists offer a fourth: Zirconia. There are three major factors to consider when discussing crown materials with your dentist: strength, durability, and esthetics.
All-Metal Crowns: All-metal crowns are made entirely of metal and are often the treatment of choice for back teeth that are not noticeable for two reasons: their lack of esthetics, and because of the bite pressure molars endure. They are especially useful for people who grind and clench.
All-Ceramic Crowns: All-Ceramic Crowns are fabricated entirely from dental ceramic materials such as porcelain. The porcelain material mimics natural teeth in color and translucency; therefore they are often the treatment of choice for front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns are fabricated with a metal base underneath a layer of porcelain. The metal lends strength while the porcelain lends esthetics. Not usually recommended for front teeth because the metal often shows through as a black line near the gum, they are often used for back teeth because the metal substructure can withstand biting and grinding.
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call us today at (972) 530-0552.
