If you have damaged or injured teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental restoration called a crown. A dental crown can help reinforce damaged tooth enamel and make your injured tooth look normal again. If you have a damaged tooth, here’s what you should know.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that completely covers your damaged or weakened tooth. If you have a root canal or a substantial dental cavity, you may be given a crown.
The crown restores the shape and function of your tooth, and can improve the appearance of your tooth as well. You may even choose to get a crown for cosmetic purposes, to cover damage that causes no harm but impacts how your tooth looks. There are several types of dental crowns for you to choose from.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns are made with a metal base and a porcelain layer on top. They’re strong and long-lasting, have a natural appearance, and are suitable for teeth in the front or back.
The porcelain layer on top can wear away, and over time, these crowns may show a dark shadow around the gumline. If this bothers you, you may choose to replace this crown prematurely, so talk to your dentist to determine whether this is the best type of crown for you.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
All ceramic crowns are made entirely from tooth-colored materials, so there’s no chance of a metal perimeter showing up near the gumline. They look natural, so they’re an excellent option for the front teeth. However, the fact that these crowns have no metal makes them slightly less durable. This can
make these crowns a poor choice for the back teeth, where chewing requires a tough, long-lasting material.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from a highly durable material that’s strong, fracture-resistant, and natural-looking. They’re a good option for molars.
Metal Crowns (Gold or Base Metal Alloys)
Metal crowns are the most durable and wear-resistant crown materials available. They’re also very thin, so they require minimal removal of the natural tooth to make space for the crown. These crowns are a great option for the back teeth, but for most people, they’re not as suitable for the front.
Metal crowns do not look like natural teeth; they look like the metal they’re made from.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia Crowns
Porcelain crowns fused to zirconia are strong like porcelain fused to metal, but unlike PFM crowns, they don’t produce the dark gumline over time.
How to Choose the Right Crown
Many factors come into play when selecting the right crown for your needs. Tooth location, bite force, budget, and personal preference all make a difference. Your dentist will help walk you through the options.
Patients Trust Weninger Dentistry for Dental Crowns
A dental crown can restore your smile and protect your tooth. There are multiple crown materials you can choose from, but you and your dentist will discuss the options together. The process starts with a professional evaluation. To get started, contact your dentist in Tampa, Florida. Call Weninger Dentistry to make an appointment.