The dental crown is used less often in cosmetic dentistry than it once was, but it is used for a variety of restoration work. Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or both. The decision to use a metal or a porcelain crown is based on the location of the tooth being treated and your personal preference.
Uses for the Dental Crown
In the past, a dental crown was often used to treat teeth with surface damage, discoloration, or cosmetic issues. Today, this type of problem is more commonly addressed using dental veneers. However, although the use of the dental crown has decreased in cosmetic dentistry, it is still used for restorations and in certain tooth replacement procedures.
Common uses for dental crowns include:
- Anchoring a bridge to replace one or two teeth
- Restoring a tooth that has already been treated with fillings
- Treating a severely cracked tooth
- Treating a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy
If you have work done on a front tooth, your dentist will probably recommend a porcelain crown so your tooth will look natural. For back teeth, metal crowns or metal crowns bonded with porcelain often stand up better to the pressures of chewing.
Choosing a Dental Crown
If you need a crown, you can choose from a few basic types:
- Metal crown, usually made of gold
- Porcelain crown
- Metal-bonded crown
- Tooth-colored resin crown
Before making your decision, consult with our dentist. You will also want to check with your dental insurance, as different carriers will pay differently based on the type of crown you choose.
One major concern, which our dentist can address, is the type of wear and tear expected on the individual tooth. For example, if you have a history of tooth grinding, a porcelain crown on a back tooth might not hold up as well as a metal crown. Tooth-colored crowns are generally preferred for your front teeth so you don’t have a metal crown in the middle of your smile. Metal-bonded crowns can be appropriate for any tooth.
If you’re considering a newer smile, contact us about dental crowns!