Different Types of Dental Crowns

As you have different conditions and needs for dental conditions there are many different types of dental crowns that have been designed to meet your various needs. Root canals and dental extractions often call for dental crowns and dental crowns now come in many forms Dental Crowns are also known as a cap these serve as a fixed prosthetic object that is cemented over top of an otherwise compromised tooth — only a dentist will be able to remove this cap for you if it ever needs to be taken off. This covers the damaged tooth and also provides a strengthening mechanism and can provide a more pleasing physical look to the tooth as well when completed. Dentists may have to use a temporary crown to put on the tooth to help cover the damaged piece while the real crown is being made. The dentist may also have to reduce your tooth’s size so the crown fits appropriately over the tooth to help size it up to the rest of the teeth in your mouth. Types of Crowns Available: Ceramic: the ceramic crown is used to restore a damaged or compromised front tooth and it will blend in with the color of the rest of your natural teeth surrounding it. This is a porcelain-based material. Porcelain Fused to Metal: this will provide the crown a stronger bond than the regular porcelain crown would as it is connected to a metal structure — making it extremely durable. Gold Alloys: this crown is a mix of gold, copper, and other metals and this crown also provides a strong bond to the tooth but also does not fracture or wear at the tooth itself. Base Metal Alloys: this crown is made up of non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion and it makes a very strong crown it also requires the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed prior to being put on the tooth. Differences Among Crown Types: The sealing ability of all porcelain crowns depends on the material that they are filled with and the underlying quality of the tooth beneath. This is according to the American Dental Association (ADA) whereas the other three provide good seals against leakages. The durability factor is the best in the gold and metal alloy crowns whereas the all-porcelain crown tends to be less strong and more susceptible if put under enough pressure (such as grinding teeth at night). By contrast, a crown made of porcelain fused to metal offers the sturdiest option of all and can endure the most wear without breaking. However, they can quickly be aggravated if the surfaces of surrounding teeth rough up and become a problem. The gold and the alloy crowns are resistant to wear and gentle on opposing teeth at the same time. Though they sometimes may become loose or fall out the average crown can last a lifetime when it’s properly maintained and cared for. Proper oral health such as brushing and flossing is the best way to help ensure that the crown is kept in good shape for a lifetime. Use a toothbrush such as the Colgate Plus Bi-Level Bristles ® to keep teeth spotless down to the back molars. Scheduling regular checkups with the dentist is also vital to ensure that your oral health and the crowns are healthy and in good shape. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”