Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us, and we want to make the best first impression possible. Sometimes, though, there are reasons that we don't feel comfortable with our teeth or smile. Whether that be because of a large filling, a fractured tooth, or severely worn out teeth, we need a way to improve the quality and appearance of our teeth.
Dental crowns are one of the most common ways to repair a cracked tooth. They are also used when fillings exceed a certain proportion of the tooth. Kneib Dentistry conveniently offers same-day dental crown procedures in Erie, PA for those who need it immediately.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown can be described as a cover or "cap" that sits over a tooth. This procedure restores the shape and size of the original tooth, but it also restores its function. A dental crown procedure can be done for cosmetic dental reasons, such as discolored or poorly shaped teeth, or for medical reasons, which can include root canals (to protect the restored tooth), cracked, worn down, or weak teeth, or cavities that are too large for a filling. These are only a select few scenarios in which a dental crown would be used, so be sure to give our office a call if you think you may need a dental crown for a scenario that is not mentioned.'
Dental Crown Materials
There are a few different dental crown types, and the team at Kneib Dentistry can help you determine which type of dental crown would work best for you. In most cases, the type of dental crown can be chosen by the patient, as it can affect the look of the tooth or smile.
1. All-Porcelain and All-Ceramic
Benefits of all-porcelain and all-ceramic crowns include providing the best natural color match to the teeth around them, so they work well for front teeth. This kind of tooth restoration is perfect for patients with metal allergies. The downfall to this choice of a crown is that they are not as strong as other options, such as the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They are also known to wear down teeth opposite of them in the mouth a little more than the other available options for crowns.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also a good choice when wanting a dental crown that matches the adjacent teeth. Due to the metal underneath the porcelain, this crown is stronger than the aforementioned all-porcelain crown. The most significant disadvantage of a porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown is that the porcelain portion can chip or break off, causing the underlying metal to show through. The metal typically shows at the gum line as well, especially if your gums recede.
3. Metals
Metal dental crowns, whether they have a high content of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys, are known as the longest lasting crown types in terms of wear down. Biting and chewing forces are withstood well with the metal crowns. The main drawback of this option is the metallic color, making this crown an excellent choice for molars that are not visible.
The stainless steel option is great for children since it is primarily used as a temporary measure. The crown can protect the filling or decaying tooth to prevent further decay, and when the primary (baby) tooth is ready to fall out, the crown comes along with it. Stainless steel crowns are used for children's teeth because they are more cost-effective than custom-made crowns, and they also do not require multiple dental visits to put in place.
4. All-Resin
All-resin crowns are the least expensive compared to other types of crowns. However, the dental crown quality also reflects the price of them. All-resin crowns are more likely to wear down over time and are also more likely to break as opposed to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
5. Temporary v. Permanent
Many people do not know that there are temporary crowns that they can get while waiting for their permanent crowns to be made. Most permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory, whereas temporary ones can be made right in your dentist's office. Stainless steel, which was mentioned before for children's teeth, are one option for the crown mold. It can also be made of acrylic-based materials. These temporary crowns will stand in and protect your tooth or teeth while your permanent crown is being made.
Let Us Help!
If you would like to know if dental crowns are right for you, or just which type of crown will work best with your dental situation, stop into or give Kneib Dentistry a call to speak with our highly trained professionals. We want you to be comfortable with your smile, so let us help you by restoring your beautiful teeth!
