If your teeth have been damaged near the surface of your tooth, your dentist will make a crown to be placed on top. Dental crowns can cover, restore, and protect the shape of your teeth while keeping infection at bay. If your fillings don’t seem to work, crowns are a great next option. Below, your local cosmetic dentist in Fontana will help you choose the best materials for dental crowns so you can keep your teeth protected against decay. Get in touch with our dental professionals to find out more about the state of your oral health.
Why Get a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a useful treatment for chipped or broken teeth. There are many other reasons why patients might need a dental crown to keep the integrity and strength of their teeth. Good candidates for dental crowns are those who:
- Are dealing with a weak tooth after too much breakage
- Need to protect a broken or worn-down tooth
- Have an existing dental bridge that must be held in place
- Have an exposed tooth after a root canal treatment
- Have discolored or misshapen teeth
It is important that you consult with your dental expert to find out whether a crown is the best treatment for your broken or infected tooth.
Best Materials for Dental Crowns
Dentist’s offices usually have different types of crowns available. You can choose between different materials depending on your health needs or your budget.
Metal Crowns
As the most affordable crown option on the market, metal crowns are always available to patients who need a quick fix. The most common metals used to make dental crowns include gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium. Many patients prefer metal because it does not break or wear down over time. However, others are not a fan of the metallic color that will remain in your mouth.
Porcelain-Metal Crowns
You can enjoy the benefits of metal crowns without struggling with the dark metallic color in your mouth with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The porcelain resembles a natural tooth-like color so you can cover up the metal in your mouth. There may still be a dark line visible where the porcelain meets metal, but many patients still opt for this affordable crown option.
All-Porcelain Crowns
All-porcelain crowns are actually the most popular types of dental crowns used around the world. Crowns that are made of single porcelain or ceramic material are the best for providing a color match with your teeth. They can appear almost natural, so nobody would be able to tell that you are wearing a crown. This is also a good alternative choice for those who are allergic to traditional metal crowns.
One drawback of all-porcelain crowns is that they wear down a lot faster, warranting a replacement every 5-10 years. However, they are still a good choice for all shapes and sizes of teeth.
Preparing Your Tooth for a Dental Crown
If your dentist has told you that you need to get a dental crown, what should you expect? Well, you are likely going to have to schedule multiple visits with your local dental expert.
During the first visit, your dentist will take a mold of the broken tooth that is to receive the crown. X-rays will also be taken of your tooth and its surrounding bone so you can receive other treatments before the crown is put in. Your tooth may have to be filed down so that the crown can fit neatly on top of it. A strong dental adhesive keeps the crown attached to the top of your tooth, providing a cap that protects it against further decay.
Invest in Preventative Dental Care Today!
There are several affordable dental crown options available to patients who are looking to cover blemishes or protect their teeth after an injury. You can reach out to our friendly experts online or over the phone to learn about our comprehensive, customizable dental crowns in Fontana. We look forward to helping you improve your smile, your health, and your happiness!