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What is a dental crown?

Sometimes patients need a dental crown to correct damage to a tooth’s structure after an injury or cavity, or if the patient prefers to cover the tooth to improve its appearance. Dental crowns are shaped to fit over the visible portion of the affected tooth like a cap, and are made from strong materials designed to last many years with proper care. They’re used for both restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs. Unlike fillings, which are placed directly into a patient’s teeth, the crown of a tooth is designed to sit above the gum line. Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have a crack that is too large for a filling to fix, if your tooth is badly decayed, or if you are preparing for cosmetic treatment such as veneers. After a root canal, your dentist is likely to recommend a crown to protect your tooth from future damage. During your consultation, let your dentist know if you are allergic to certain metals or if you have any other special medical concerns. He or she will review your options with you and help you make the best choice for your dental health. To learn more about crowns and other treatment options, visit your local dental office for a consultation today.#teeth #teethcleaning #dentist #dentalhygienist #cavity #toothdecay #gums #oralhealth #saliva #teethwhitening #smiledesign #filling #crown #bridge #inlay #veneers #implants #dentalimplants #periostealtunnels #rootcanaltreatment #wisdomteethremoval #removabledentures #prosthodontics #mouthhealthy #prevention #wearehappy #teethhurting #sensitiveteeth #teethgrinding #bruxism #sleepapnea #tonguethrusting

Porcelain vs. metal crowns

Metal crowns are crafted from gold, silver, or palladium alloy metals. They are typically less expensive due to being simple to manufacture and don’t require the porcelain-to-metal bonding process. However, metal crowns are not as durable as porcelain ones, and they can look less natural than porcelain veneers. Metal crowns can be a good choice for patients who grind their teeth at night, as the additional friction will not damage the crowns. For patients with metal allergies, metal-free options of dental crowns exist.

Ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

Patients who have a metal allergy, sensitivity, or insensitivity to metal may be given the option of a ceramic crown. While traditional gold crowns are made entirely of gold alloy and are cast in one piece, ceramic crowns are made by layering several layers of ceramic and applying a glaze over the top to give it shine and durability on the exterior; the interior is hollow. In some cases, the patient may need to have a metal base added underneath the ceramic cap for structural support. However, this is much less common than it used to be and most crowns are single-piece structures these days. If you have a metal allergy or sensitivity, be sure to tell your dentist so that he or she can use an appropriate material for your dental crown. Image( are benefits to both ceramics and metal. Ceramics can be matched to your existing tooth color much closer than a PFM crown; however, they are not as strong as an all-gold structure would be. This makes them ideal for anterior teeth that are less visible but still have to withstand the force of chewing. Metal is more structurally sound and can withstand the forces of grinding better than ceramics. Metal can also be polished to a high-luster shine that wets the eye; again, perfect for the anterior teeth. Speak with your dentist about which option would work best for you.

Author Bio: Dr. Kathy Jones is a general dentist with over 25 years of experience practicing general dentistry. She is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and also completed a general practice residency program at the Medical Center of Delaware