When teeth become damaged from injury or decay, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible to maintain good oral health. Dental crowns are one of the most common restoration options to repair teeth, and they can also be used to cosmetically improve teeth that are misshapen or discolored. Overall, dental crowns remain one of the top choices for dental patients in need of tooth restoration. Here are some of the many advantages:
Dental crowns provide extra strength and durable protection
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, it can be difficult to eat, speak, and even maintain a regular oral health routine. Dental crowns completely cover the affected tooth, adding strength and protection from further damage or decay. And they’re very durable – with proper care and routine dental exams, dental crowns can last around 15 years. Crowns are also an ideal choice for restoration in the case of root canals, when an infection or nerve death causes the tooth to become brittle and weak.
Dental crowns offer pain relief
Patients suffering from extensive decay or injury in a tooth experience discomfort or pain, especially when eating. Dental can be used to treat a variety of pain-inducing weaknesses, including worn enamel, fractures and chips, offering instant pain relief and the ability to eat and speak pain-free.
Dental crowns can improve your appearance
Although dental crowns are primarily used for restorations due to injury or decay, they also offer cosmetic benefits, addressing a wide variety of imperfections including discoloration, chips, cracks, stains, and misshaped or slightly crooked teeth. And compared with other cosmetic restorations, such as veneers, dental crowns are durable, natural-looking, and offer superior protection to weakened teeth.
Dental crowns involve a simple procedure
The procedure for getting a dental crown is relatively simple and minimally invasive. The enamel on the affected tooth is first cleaned, prepared, and reshaped to hold the crown. Then a mold or a digital model is made of the teeth to fabricate the prosthetic tooth. When it’s ready, the dentist will secure the natural-looking crown on the prepared tooth with bonding cement, offering long-term protection and strength.
Dental crowns are customized for each patient
Each dental crown is custom-made and printed at our office, using digital scan impressions and 3D virtual models to ensure a precise fit. Dental crowns are also color-matched to your surrounding teeth so they won’t stand out. Porcelain crowns in particular offer the unique shading and semi-translucence of natural teeth, while also offering stain resistance to ensure a beautiful bright smile for years.
Disadvantages of dental crowns
While dental crowns are strong, durable, and natural-looking restorations for damaged teeth, there are some disadvantages. Because dental crowns involve reshaping the existing tooth, the procedure is permanent and if the crown breaks, you’ll need to have it replaced immediately or risk further damage to the underlying tooth. Additionally, while porcelain most closely resembles natural teeth, it is also can be more vulnerable to chipping compared to other metal materials like gold or metal alloys. However, the new all ceramic materials used for full coverage crowns (Lithium Disilicate, EMax) are twice stronger than the older generations porcelains used in the metal ceramic crowns.
Dental crowns at La Mesa Dental Center
If you have damaged or decayed teeth and you want to restore your bright, healthy smile, La Mesa Dental Center offers dental crown procedures and unmatched, personalized service with every appointment. For more information about dental restoration options or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (619) 337-2424