A dental crown serves as a restorative solution that envelops a tooth, effectively returning it to its original dimensions and form while simultaneously enhancing its strength and aesthetic appeal. The application of crowns becomes essential when a tooth has deteriorated to such an extent that a conventional filling is insufficient to restore its integrity.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
There are numerous indications for the use of dental crowns Crestview FL, including the concealment of discolored or irregularly shaped teeth, as well as their integration with dental bridges and implants. Additional advantages of dental crowns encompass the stabilization of a fractured tooth to avert further deterioration, the reinforcement of a tooth that contains a substantial filling, and the restoration of a tooth that has suffered breakage.
The procedure for obtaining a dental crowns Crestview FL is typically conducted over two appointments. During the initial visit, the tooth is prepared through filing or reshaping to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the crown. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area surrounding the tooth throughout this process.
Following the preparation, an impression of the teeth and gums is created using a specialized paste or putty, which is then forwarded to a laboratory for the fabrication of a custom crown, a process that generally takes two to three weeks. In the interim, patients are fitted with a temporary crown. At the subsequent appointment, the new crown is evaluated for proper fit and color match before the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is affixed to the tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are constructed entirely from a metal alloy, which may consist of materials such as gold, platinum, palladium, or various other elements. In comparison to alternative crown types, metal crowns are advantageous as they retain a greater amount of the natural tooth structure. They exhibit excellent durability against biting and chewing forces, and instances of chipping or breaking are infrequent.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal or PFM Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer the benefit of being color-matched to the natural teeth, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more natural appearance. They rank just below all-ceramic crowns in terms of visual appeal, as PFM crowns can closely resemble normal teeth.
Resin Crowns
All-resin crowns represent the most economical option among dental crowns. Despite their affordability, they come with notable drawbacks, primarily their increased vulnerability to chips and fractures compared to other crown types. Furthermore, all-resin crowns tend to experience wear over time, which can affect their longevity and performance.
Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
These crowns offer the most aesthetically pleasing natural color among all dental crown options. While they may not possess the same strength as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or gold crowns, they have a tendency to cause more wear on adjacent teeth compared to metal or resin crowns. Due to their superior cosmetic appeal, they are frequently chosen for use on anterior teeth.