Dental crowns have become a popular topic of discussion in recent years. However, there is still a lot to learn, and some people still need to learn about the procedure. This blog will discuss crowns in detail to answer why the treatment has become that popular.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a synthetically manufactured cap to strengthen a weak or damaged tooth. Typically, the crown takes the shape of your tooth and can be designed to match its color. There are various crowns, and your dentist will help you choose the right one. You can talk to dentist in your area if you require a restorative dentistry.
When Should Teeth Be Crowned?
A dental crown is versatile and is used for different purposes. Here are a few scenarios where you might need a dental crown.
- To protect a severely decayed tooth.
- To hold parts of a cracked tooth.
- If you want to improve the appearance of your smile
- To cover a dental implant.
- To restore a broken tooth.
- If you want to protect your kid’s teeth from decay
- To strengthen a weak tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns/Cap
There are various types of dental crowns, mostly classified by their materials. Here are the available options:
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are used temporarily as the permanent crowns are being made in the lab. They are also used to preserve the space for permanent teeth for children whose baby teeth have fallen off. Typically, they fall out on their own once the permanent teeth erupt.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are often used for back teeth, and they used to be very popular a few years ago. They are mostly made of platinum or gold, and they last for many years. However, they are not discreet, and everyone will know you used to miss a tooth.
Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns
As the name suggests, these crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic. Both materials are versatile, durable, and aesthetic. They are designed to match the color of your teeth, making them a perfect option for front teeth. They can also be used for back teeth but are less strong than metal crowns.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are made of hard plastic designed to match your teeth’ color. They are the most affordable, but their durability is not guaranteed. Resin crowns are more prone to chips and breaks than the rest. For that reason, you should only use resin crowns for front teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
Porcelain crowns are aesthetic but often need to be stronger for back teeth. Because of that, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were born, whereby the porcelain has metal support to make it stronger. This crown is perfect for both front and back teeth. However, the metal line may show with time. Therefore, they may not be an excellent option for front teeth.
Why Are Crowns So Popular?
There are various reasons why dental crowns have become so popular, and here are some of them:
- Crowns improve your chewing ability.
- They prevent the bacteria that cause infections and cavities from causing further damage.
- Dental crowns are quite flexible and are used to address several dental problems, including supporting implants, bridges, and after root canal therapy.
- They improve your smile by covering fractured and severely decayed teeth.
- Dental crowns are durable, some lasting up to 20 years. You must take proper care of your crowns by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
Typically, the cost of a crown procedure is affected by several factors, including:
- Type of the material
- Dentist’s experience
- Location of the target tooth
- Dental clinic’s location
Resin crowns are the most affordable, while porcelain crowns are slightly more expensive. Your dentist will explain these costs to you and help you choose the suitable crown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dental crowns are a popular treatment option for those with weak or damaged teeth. They are a synthetic cap that strengthens and preserves the natural tooth, and can be designed to match the color of the tooth. Crowns can be used for a variety of purposes, including protecting a severely decayed tooth, holding parts of a cracked tooth, improving the appearance of your smile, and covering a dental implant. There are several types of crowns available, including stainless steel, metal, porcelain/ceramic, resin, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. The popularity of crowns is due to their ability to improve chewing ability, prevent further damage from bacteria, address multiple dental problems, improve the appearance of teeth, and their durability. The cost of a crown procedure can vary depending on factors such as the type of material, dentist’s experience, location of the target tooth, and dental clinic’s location. Overall, dental crowns are a popular and effective treatment option for those in need of dental care.