How Dental Crowns Protect and Improve the Appearance of Your Teeth
Dental crowns in Terre Haute are one of the most popular dental procedures that our dentists perform. In a day, thousands of people undergo this procedure to fix several issues ranging from discolored teeth to chipped or cracked teeth.
Despite how common dental crowns are, many people still get jittery when this option is suggested to them. The truth is that it is a misunderstood procedure, and it is quite straightforward.
Dental crowns in Terre Haute come in different types and can be used to fulfill either a cosmetic or a protective role.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are used to restore damaged and imperfect teeth. They are permanently cemented into place and primarily cover the whole surface of the tooth. They are custom made to fit each tooth and can be made of a host of different materials such as porcelain, gold, and resins.
When Would You Need A Dental Crown?
There are many reasons as to why you might need a crown and here are some of them:
- To hold a bridge in place.
- To cup a dental implant.
- To restore a worn down or broken tooth.
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking
Besides strengthening a weak or damaged tooth, a crown can also be used to improve the appearance, alignment, and shape of a tooth.
Onlays and ¾ Crowns
Onlays and ¾ crowns are used to cover part of the tooth and not the whole tooth as compared to traditional crowns. They are most appropriate when the tooth is still intact. In this conservative approach, our dentist Terre Haute, Indiana will remove the troubled area, reshapes the tooth, and fixes the restorative material.
Temporary Crowns
As the name suggests, this type of crown is designed to be used for a short time. Our dentist will place it over your tooth with an adhesive that can be easily removed. The primary purpose of this crown is to be used when you are waiting for your permanent crown to be made. The permanent crown would be fixed during the second appointment.
Same-Day Crown
You can get your crown fixed in a single appointment. The crown can be made in our dentist’s office using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). The computer scans and takes digital photos of your mouth. 3D model of your tooth is created using computer software; then another machine carves the crown from a ceramic block.
Types of Crowns Based On Materials Used
Crowns can be made from different materials. These types of materials will help you choose since the kind of material will determine its primary purpose. The material will decide whether or not you will get protective crowns or cosmetic crowns. Here are the types of crowns based on the materials used:
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain resembles teeth, and so are a good fit. But, porcelain all by itself isn’t as durable, and they tend to chip or break easily. Therefore, porcelain fused metal crowns helped bridge the gap and playing a protective and cosmetic role.
Metals
These crowns are entirely made of metals like gold, nickel, or palladium. They rarely break or chip and therefore, can last very long. These protective crowns can withstand chewing and biting forces. The main issue is their color, and they are an excellent choice for molars.
Porcelain
These are the best cosmetic crowns since they resemble the color of your teeth. It can also be an excellent choice if you have metal allergies. These crowns tend to wear down the teeth a bit more than resin or metal crowns. They aren’t as strong either, but they are an excellent choice for front teeth.
Resin
These crowns are less expensive than other crowns. The downside is that they tend to wear down, and higher chances are that they will break than porcelain fused metal crowns.
Pressed Ceramic
These crowns have a hard inner core. They are covered with porcelain, which gives the best natural color match. They last longer than the porcelain crowns.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
The life span of any crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” that it has been exposed to, your oral practices, and other habits such as clenching teeth or biting fingernails. However, most crowns will last anywhere between five and 15 years.
Regardless of the type of crowns you choose, at Staley Family Dentistry Terre Haute, we have an excellent team of professionals who will meet your needs.