The Different Types of Dental Crowns and Their Uses

Dental crowns are standard restorative treatments that effectively improve tooth structure and function. They act as caps placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and overall appearance. Some patients require this procedure due to decay or injury, but understanding the specific options facilitates better decision-making regarding oral health.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices cemented onto an existing tooth or implant to cover it completely. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth lying at and above the gum line, providing a new outer surface. The primary purpose is to encase a damaged tooth, so it gains structural stability and protection from further harm in the oral cavity.

What Are the Different Types?

Metal crowns include alloys with high gold or platinum content. These withstand biting and chewing forces well, and they rarely chip or break under pressure. The metallic color is often reserved for out-of-sight molars requiring significant strength.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth for a more natural look. The underlying metal provides necessary strength, while the porcelain exterior offers an aesthetic that blends with the smile. All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide an effective color match, making them a suitable choice for patients with metal allergies.

What Are Their Uses?

Dentists recommend crowns to protect weak teeth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth that are otherwise compromised. Large cavities that cannot be resolved with standard filling material also require a crown, as they provide additional structural support. This restoration technique restores the tooth’s functionality while preventing further decay or damage to the pulp.

Crowns serve as anchors for dental bridges, and they cover dental implants to replace missing teeth. They effectively cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, which improves the overall aesthetic of the patient’s smile and alignment. Cosmetic modifications may utilize this method to align and shape the dental arch for a cohesive appearance.

What Does the Process Involve?

Preparing a tooth for a crown typically requires a few visits to the dentist to complete the restoration process. The first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, and the second visit involves the precise placement of the permanent crown. X-rays are taken to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and the condition of the surrounding bone structure.

The dentist anesthetizes the tooth and gum tissue before filing down the tooth’s chewing surface and sides to remove enamel. An impression of the tooth is made, and a temporary crown is placed to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated in a specialized dental laboratory. The dentist then removes the temporary crown and checks the fit of the permanent one before final cementation.

What Are the Benefits?

Dental crowns offer a long-term solution for restoring damaged teeth because they are highly durable and resistant to fracture. These prosthetics improve the appearance of teeth by correcting discoloration, shape, and alignment issues in the visible smile. Patients regain the ability to chew and speak properly, and this helps improve overall quality of life. The procedure halts the progression of decay in the affected tooth and protects the underlying structure from infection.

Consult a Dentist Today

Understanding the types and uses of dental crowns helps patients discuss treatment plans with dental professionals. A dentist will evaluate your teeth, and they will recommend the most appropriate material for your situation. Schedule an appointment to determine whether a dental crown is the right solution for your oral health needs.