Is It Worth Getting a Crown on Your Tooth?
June 1, 2023
Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring a tooth damaged by an injury or decay. They are often recommended at Okemos Smile Center since they will extend the lifespan of your tooth for years to come. However, other treatments might delay your need for a crown. Our dentist near you will be sure to evaluate your options and dental health before considering dental crowns as the best option for you.
What are Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that cover your entire tooth to change its shape, size, color, and appearance. Crowns are cemented in place using laser light and special dental cement. Types of available dental crowns near you are:
- Porcelain Crowns. These are tooth-colored crowns that provide patients with a seamless look. They are highly durable and can last for 15 years with proper care.
- Stainless Steel Crowns. Stainless crowns are prefabricated at the dental office and are usually used as temporary measures while waiting for permanent crowns. They can be fixed on a single dental visit and are typically recommended to children at risk of cavities and decay.
- Metal Crowns. Metal crowns are available in silver or gold materials. They are strong, durable, and can withstand chewing or biting pressure. They are commonly used for back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns. These are crowns that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain fused with metal crowns is durable and can be placed on any tooth. However, they cause a dark line on the gums.
- Resin Crowns. These are crowns with a natural look and are considered stain-resistant. Unfortunately, resin crowns are not as durable and are recommended for your front teeth.
Problems That Dental Crowns Fix
Our dentist in 38864 will recommend dental crowns to you if you have the following dental imperfections.
- Weak Enamel. The teeth’ enamel is strong and durable, but it can be worn down but things like overconsumption of acidic foods, teeth grinding, and excessive brushing. Unfortunately, enamel cannot be replaced but can be stimulated and protected by a dental crown.
- Decayed Teeth. If your teeth have experienced extensive decay, it’s structurally compromised. Your teeth may no longer have the strength to stay intact while speaking or chewing. Additionally, it may also break or crack. Dental crowns can be used to cover these teeth instead of the dentist filling them up using a filling. This will give them additional structure, strength, and lifespan.
- Have a Large Filling. For significant dental cavities, your dentist may recommend a large dental filling to repair the cavities. While this may be an immediate solution, large fillings can weaken the tooth and cause breakage over time. Fortunately, you can replace the large fillings with a crown instead.
- Uneven Bite. Teeth can be slightly bigger, smaller, or differently shaped than the neighboring teeth. Crowns disguise minor dental issues such as cracks, chips, and positional imperfections.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth. Teeth that have cracked or broken can no longer withstand the pressure and stress of biting and chewing. Dental crowns restore structure and stability, allowing you to smile and chew without worrying about further damage.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns repair damaged teeth to restore their health, function, and aesthetics. Here is why dental crowns are worthy.
- Custom-Made. Our dentists will get to design a crown that will match the size, shape, and shade of your existing tooth. They will offer different materials that will be based on your need and budget. And once you have that crown on, you will likely forget you even had a crown installed.
- Relieve Discomfort. Crowns are often used as a dental restorative treatment for repairing the enamel and the structural damage of your tooth. Most times, these dental issues can cause sensitivity to temperature or pain. Once the underlying issues are resolved, dental crowns protect your tooth from further damage and reduce sensitivity and discomfort.
- Durable. The materials used to make dental crowns are designed to last a long time and withstand the pressure of biting, chewing, and grinding teeth. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can see your crown last for even 30 years.
- Restore Your Teeth’s Appearance. The primary goal of a dental crown is to restore a damaged tooth. However, they also offer cosmetic benefits. This is because they are fitted over the existing natural tooth and can instantly correct discoloration, chips, cracks, mishappen teeth, and fractures.