What You Need To Know About Dental Crowns

There are many procedures in cosmetic dentistry that can give you a beautiful smile. Dental crowns have been used long before cosmetic dentistry became the norm, but they are still a popular option today because of their many amazing benefits. Whether your smile isn't as perfect as you'd like or your teeth are weakened from decay, dental crowns can help, so check out these five facts you must know about dental crowns.

Dental Crowns Come in Many Varieties

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, but ultimately, they come in metal or tooth-colored. Metal dental crowns may be made from noble metals, such as gold, or base metals. Typically, noble metal crowns are more expensive than base metals because the metal is more expensive. Depending on the type of metal you choose, you may pay between $600 and $2,500. For cosmetic reasons, these types of crowns are best for back teeth.

Tooth-colored dental crowns come in composite and porcelain. Composite dental crowns are white, but they don't mimic the look of teeth as well as porcelain. Porcelain dental crowns come in all-porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal. With porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, the metal occasionally bleeds through the porcelain, making them better suited for back teeth and all-porcelain crowns suited for front teeth. Because all-porcelain crowns are not as durable as other crowns, they shouldn't be used on back teeth unless you have a metal allergy.

They Cover the Entire Tooth

Getting dental crowns is a major decision because it permanently affects the tooth. Like dental veneers, some tooth enamel must be removed for the dental crown to fit properly over the tooth. This process is irreversible because enamel will not regrow, and without the crown to protect the tooth, it is extremely vulnerable to decay and infection. However, in many cases, losing the enamel is worth it because the process can save the tooth.

Healthy teeth are strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear from chewing, but as teeth become weak from trauma, decay, etc. they may develop weak spots. Even after the decay is removed and a filling placed or root canal therapy performed, the tooth remains weakened, especially on large fillings. Pressure may focalize on a weak spot, causing the tooth to break. Because dental crowns cover the entire tooth, they strengthen the tooth by covering these weak spots. Without the dental crown, these weak teeth may completely shatter, requiring extraction.

They Can Make Teeth Look Straight and Healthy

While all crowns can strengthen teeth, porcelain crowns are excellent at making teeth look perfect. In particular, they are great at making teeth look straight. If you have mild overcrowding, rotated teeth, gaps, etc. braces may not be an affordable option, and if your teeth are already weak, braces may cause more decay. Dental crowns, however, can make teeth look straight. The lab simply crafts the crown to fit the crooked tooth while still looking straight. The result is an immediate beautiful smile.

Porcelain dental crowns can also make your teeth look health because the porcelain looks like natural tooth tissue. First, you can choose which shade you want, allowing you to get a beautifully white, stain-resistant smile. However, dental crowns also hide any imperfections in teeth, such as cracks, unsightly fillings, chips, etc. If you only need dental crowns for cosmetic reasons, however, they may not be covered by insurance. If you are replacing crowns or need a crown to strengthen a weak tooth, however, the cover may be partially covered.

If you're stick of hiding your smile because of decay, damage or cosmetic concerns, you should consider dental crowns. Like veneers, dental crowns offer cosmetic benefits, but they strengthen weak teeth. If you would like more information regarding dental crowns or other cosmetic procedures, contact a dentist in your area today.