You’ve likely heard of dental crowns – perhaps by their more casual name of “caps.” But are you aware of all the things crowns can do? They’re durable and versatile, and play a part in so many smiles. If you currently have any cosmetic dental concerns or are experiencing tooth pain, a dental crown could be your savior. This week’s blog post gives some love to these great restorations and discusses ways our Hinsdale dentist may make crowns a part of your dental treatment.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may be constructed in a variety of materials. Metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, and all-ceramic are the most common types of crowns. Different materials have traits that make them ideal for a certain type of case. Whenever the crown will show in your smile, our Hinsdale dentist chooses a porcelain crown for its aesthetic qualities.
Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crowns need to be fabricated in a dental lab, meaning it takes two appointments to receive them. At the first, your teeth will be prepared for the crown. Your Hinsdale dentist will take a mold of your teeth, which will be sent to the lab. By your next appointment, your crown have arrived and will be bonded to your teeth.
Dental Crowns’ Roles
Crowns not only beautify teeth but also rebuild structure. A dental crown can recreate missing tooth structure on nearly any scale. By encompassing the natural tooth, a crown strengthens its defenses and allows a cracked or damaged tooth to persist. If an entire tooth is missing, a crown will provide new tooth surface above the gum line. Crowns help with:
- Bridges – A bridge is two crowns attached to a false tooth. They span a tooth gap to fill in a smile.
- Dental implants – Implants create new tooth roots, and crowns accompany them to build entire new teeth.
- Smile makeovers – If a tooth is crooked, stained, misangled, misshapen, or otherwise problematic, a crown will change its appearance without compromising its function.
Eager to discuss dental crowns as a part of your smile? Get in touch with our Hinsdale dentist.