Types of Dental Crowns
Houston, TX
 Part of cosmetic dentistry, a dental crown is a permanent covering that encases a natural tooth. It can be made of ceramic, porcelain-veneered zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal, stainless steel, or resin. Ceramic and porcelain-veneered zirconia crowns are the most popular type of dental crown, especially for front teeth, as they are the most natural looking and affordable. However, they can chip and damage the teeth next to them. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are reinforced with a metal frame, which makes them strong and more suitable for back teeth.
Metal dental crowns are the strongest, don’t wear down over time, and do not damage neighboring teeth as much as other options. But they are considerably more expensive. Additionally, they do not look natural, being made out of materials like titanium and gold. Here at Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS we offer a variety of dental crowns, and our doctors Dr. Garcia and Dr. Alexandra Garcia will take the time to help you choose the best type for you.
Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are used for many reasons, such as:
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Covering a chipped or broken tooth
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Holding together a fractured tooth
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Reinforcing a filled tooth
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Protecting a weak tooth
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Improving the appearance of a discolored tooth
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Capping a tooth following a root canal
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Capping a dental implant |
A dental crown can also fill the gap left behind by a missing tooth. This type of crown is a single piece made to look like three teeth. It is known as a dental bridge and uses neighboring teeth as supports.
Dental Crown Placement
When placing dental crowns, we take at least two sessions. On your first visit, we examine your tooth, taking in factors like the position of your tooth, the level of damage, and your gum health. Then, we reshape your tooth using a dental drill, making it smaller and shorter so that a crown can fit snugly on top. We make a mold of the area, which is sent to our dental lab where your permanent crown is made. You are then sent home with a temporary crown. Your permanent crown will be ready within the week. When it is ready, you will come for your second visit, where we will cement it to your tooth.
What Are Same Day Crowns?
Another option is same-day crowns, which are made during your first visit. You do not need a second visit because your crown is made on-site. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate, and during your assessment, we will inform you if it is a good fit for you. As there are many benefits of ceramic crowns, same-day crowns are made of the same material. With attentive and proper care, these convenient options can last as long as a traditional crown. However, they are more susceptible to wearing down and will need to be replaced in the future.
Call Us to Learn More
Call us today at (346) 250-2930 to learn more about dental crowns and other cosmetic dentistry options. Here at Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS our goal is to make sure you can eat, talk, and smile as confidently as possible. |
