How Can Dental Crowns Protect Your Teeth?

We use our smiles to greet others, show happiness, and communicate many other emotions. A smile is the first thing people notice about you, and it leaves a lasting impression. However, when you have cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth, it can be hard to smile. Luckily, we have several dental treatments that can help you address that, like dental crowns.

What Is A Dental Crown?

Crowns are small caps fitted over a tooth to strengthen and protect it.

A dental crown can fix a variety of problems in a tooth. It can be placed on the tooth to cover the entire surface area above the gum line.

A dental crown is used when you have decay, cracks, or significant discoloration on the tooth. Crowns are quite common in dentistry, and they are usually placed on teeth that have been previously restored with fillings or root canal treatments.

Dental crowns in Auburn, WA, can be made out of gold, porcelain, or metal, although porcelain is the most popular option because it matches the color of your teeth well.

When Are Dental Crowns Used?

There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend you have dental crowns, which depend on the extent of your damage. A crown can be used to restore a tooth severely damaged or decayed. A dentist may also use crowns if you have broken or chipped teeth. If you get a bridge, root canal, or dental implant, the dentist may fix the dental crown to complete the treatment.

What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can provide benefits including:

• Dental crowns for teeth offer cost-effective, long-term protection to your tooth.
• Crowns protect a broken or weakened tooth from fracturing further and restore structural integrity.
•  Dental crowns are an effective way to cover discolored or stained teeth.
• Crowns improve the overall appearance of your smile.

What is the Dental Crown Procedure?

The dental crown procedure to protect your teeth generally includes the following steps:

1. The tooth is prepared for the crown. This involves removing any decay or shaping the tooth so that the crown will fit properly. The dentist will also trim your enamel to make room for the caps. The amount removed depends on the thickness of the crowns to be used.

2. An impression using a putty, mold, or digital scan is made of the tooth and sent to a dental laboratory.
3. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
4. The final crown is fitted and cemented to the tooth.

What are the Types of Dental Crowns?

There are four types of dental crowns: stainless steel, all-metal, all-porcelain, and metal-ceramic.

• An all-metal crown is made of one type of metal. They may be used in cases where a tooth has had a lot of decay and needs to be filled, or when porcelain is not ideal.
• All-porcelain dental crowns are tooth-colored, which can create a seamless look with the rest of your teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal is made from a mixture of porcelain and metal. These offer the aesthetics of porcelain and the durability of metal. These crowns are most suitable for the back teeth. However, these crowns can cause discoloration of the gums because of the metal.
• Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated at a dental clinic. They are used as a temporary solution as you wait for the permanent teeth to be made. They are also ideal for children because they do not require a complex process like the rest of the crowns.

How Long Do the Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are the most durable restoration of all. Dental crowns can last for a longer time compared to other restorations. Dental crowns are capable of lasting more than ten years, while average tooth-colored fillings last between five and ten years.
The dental crowns can crack or chip, and when it happens, visit a dental clinic near you for assistance.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Sunrise Dental of Auburn for information on this cost-effective treatment.