How Dental Crowns Are Used To Protect Your Teeth

Dental crowns are one of the tools dentists use to help protect weak teeth, preventing them from breaking or becoming excessively worn. They're used for restoring an already broken tooth, or one that's too worn down. Crowns can also be used to keep a dental bridge in place or cover discolored teeth or implants. These tooth-shaped caps act like a hard hat for your teeth, protecting them from further damage and helping refurbish their size, shape, colour, or strength. They're cemented into place and should completely cover the portion of the tooth above the gum line.

 

There are various types of dental crowns available. Depending on the tooth for which it must be used and why it needs to be repaired, your dentist will select the best crown to use. The metal crown was once the most common type, made of gold or other alloys or base metals. Metal crowns are designed to fit over nearly complete teeth, so there is no requirement to remove a large portion of the existing tooth to fully accommodate these kinds of crowns. Because they are metal they are difficult to break and won't chip. However, because of the metallic colour they are falling out of favor, even for use in the back teeth.

 

Porcelain-fused crowns are metal crowns with white porcelain covering. While they look good, more like natural teeth, they tend to wear the opposing teeth more than other types of crowns. Resin crowns are cheaper than other types of crowns, but they wear faster. The colour match can be very good as the dentist makes the resin while you're in the chair to match the colour exactly. However, resin crowns can fracture and break much easier than porcelain or metal crowns. Ceramic crowns are the most natural looking and good for people with metal allergies. Like resin, they are not as strong as porcelain or metal crowns though.

 

Before your dentist puts on a final crown, he or she might use a temporary crown of plastic, acrylic or stainless steel. Most of the permanent crowns need to be molded to your tooth and produced by a dental laboratory. It can be days between the time you first visit your dentist and when you get your crown.

 

While no one likes to go to the dentist, dental crowns can help keep teeth and mouth in good working order and protect weakened teeth from future damage. 

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Krauss has remained at the forefront of technology to provide his patients with a less painful dental care experience. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Tri-County Dental Association. Bakersfield dentist is more than just a trade or career, it’s an opportunity to bring out the best smile in everyone they meet. Book your appointment for Crown Dental Bakersfield CA & Dentists Of Bakersfield services today.