A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth.  It fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth and works to improve its shape, size and strength. 

What are some of the uses for a dental crown?

• cover a dental implant
• cover a misshapen tooth
• restore a worn down tooth
• protect a weak tooth

One reason a tooth may become weak is because of decay.  Both bacteria and food can cause tooth decay.  A crown can be used to protect this tooth from breaking or by holding together a cracked tooth.

Ways to help prevent tooth decay

• brush and floss regularly
• avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates
• get enough fluoride
• quit smoking

What Types of Crowns are available?

Stainless Steel

Generally these type of crowns are used on permanent teeth only as a temporary measure.  They are placed on the tooth until a permanent mold can be made.  They are generally used on the primary teeth of children because they only require one dental visit and will fall out with the primary tooth, making room for the permanent tooth to grow.

Metals

Some types of metals used in crowns include gold alloy, a base-metal alloy (for example nickel) or some other type of alloy.  Some benefits of this type of crown are that less of the actual tooth needs to be removed and there is not much wear on opposing teeth.  These are also durable and withstand biting and chewing well.  This means that these types of crowns hold up long term.  They also rarely chip or break.  The draw back to this type of crown is the metallic color-which makes them easy to spot.  Because of this they are mostly used on back molars.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

These crowns blend in with adjacent teeth.  The drawback is that they can chip and break off and cause more wear and tear on opposing teeth.

All-resin

All-resin dental crowns tend to be less expensive than other crown types.  However, they can wear down over time.  In addition, they also tend to chip more often than other types of crowns.

All-ceramic or All-porcelain

These crowns have the best color match to teeth of any of the crowns available.  They are also a good option for those who are allergic to metals.  These are definitely a good choice for front teeth that are more visible.

There are many purposes crowns serve, as well as a myriad of crown options to choose from.  Knowing your options and speaking to a dentist, such as Wigwam Dental Care, will help you pick the crown that is right for you.