Beginner's Guide: How to Restore Damaged Teeth Using Dental Crowns
Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you have cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth? Have you ever considered getting dental crowns in Marshfield, MA? Tooth crowns are one of the best restorative options available in general dentistry in Marshfield, MA.
There is no need for you to keep on living with a flawed smile. Damaged teeth not only taint your smile but also affect your overall oral health. This is why our dentist in Marshfield recommends dental crowns when you have damaged teeth so that your teeth’s integrity can be preserved.
Dental Crowns 101
In a nutshell, teeth crowns are fashioned to cover damaged teeth. The crown operates under the same principle as a normal cap or hat. Hence, the reason why it is also referred to as a tooth cap.
Crowns are fashioned to mimic your natural teeth, which our dentist in Marshfield cements over the damaged tooth. The aim of using a crown is to restore the function, look, and feel of your natural tooth. For instance, if you have stained teeth that teeth whitening cannot correct, a dental crown can be used to cover them.
Tooth crowns are made from different materials such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?
Our dentist in Marshfield may recommend that you have crowns in the following circumstances:
- To cover dental implants and bridges
- To strengthen a weak tooth that has been damaged due to decay or breakage
- To improve the appearance and shape of misshapen teeth
- To cover teeth with large fillings
- To restore worn down or broken teeth
- To conceal discolored teeth in scenarios where professional teeth whitening is not effective
- To cover teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
What to Consider When Choosing a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can be made from different materials. Here are some factors that you need to consider when deciding on the material:
- The strength and durability of the crown
- The cost of the crown
- The aesthetic value
- The position of your gum tissue
Different Types of Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from different materials such as:
- Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are tooth-colored; therefore, they have good aesthetic appeal. They are excellent for front teeth restorations. They are biocompatible and will not cause allergic reactions as compared to metal crowns. However, they are not as sturdy as other materials, and therefore not recommended for posterior tooth restorations.
- Gold Alloy
These crowns are fashioned from different metals such as copper, gold, and nickel. They are durable and sturdy. They are not aesthetically pleasing to most people, and thus, they are good for back tooth restorations. They can withstand the chewing force of your teeth, which means that they can last for a long time.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal
This is an upgrade to the porcelain crowns. Porcelain has excellent aesthetics and, therefore, is placed on the outer part of the crown. Since metal is a sturdy material, it is placed in the crown’s inner part to enhance its strength.
- Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are relatively new in the market. Zirconium is exceptionally strong and has excellent aesthetic appeal. These crowns are as sturdy as metal crowns and as aesthetically pleasing as all-ceramic crowns. They can be used to restore back and front teeth.
Placing Dental Crowns
Typically, it will take two visits before you get your dental crown. Getting a crown will involve the following steps:
- Our dentist will start off by removing some of your enamel to create space for the crown to fit. If you have tooth decay, our dentist will remove it. And if you have minimal tooth structure, our dentist will need to build your tooth’s core.
- A dental impression will be taken to get a crown that matches your teeth.
- You will receive a temporary crown while you are waiting for your permanent crown.
- When your permanent crown has been fabricated, our dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent crown.
If you take excellent care of your crowns, they can serve you for a long time. Crowns can completely alter your smile and restore the function and look of your teeth. If you need to restore your smile, contact our dentist at Beautiful South Shore Smiles to schedule an appointment.