Porcelain vs Metal Crowns
Whenever you have some serious damage to a tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown is a “cap” that is placed over the tooth in question and serves to protect that tooth as well as fill in the gaps in your mouth and look good at the same time.
Traditionally, crowns have been made of metal with a porcelain covering on top that makes it look as much like normal teeth as possible. Over the last few years, advances in ceramic technology have made all porcelain crowns much more viable for people who need them. Porcelain crowns now look even closer to regular teeth and have the same durability as the metal/porcelain crowns from yesteryear.
Why Do I Need A Crown?
Crowns are typically the last resort for teeth that have suffered extensive damage either through decay and cavities or trauma from an accident. A crown is used when there is so much tooth material missing that the tooth is no longer structurally sound. In these cases, your dentist will remove the damaged tissue and cavity and prepare the tooth for a crown to be placed on top of it.
There are also cases such as root canals where you have to get a crown. This is because once the root of the tooth is taken out, it becomes brittle and weak unless covered and protected by a crown.
How Do Crowns Work?
Getting a crown is a relatively easy process and is getting easier all the time. The first step is to clean the tooth and prepare it for a crown by removing all the decayed material and shaping it down. This is necessary in order to make sure the crown is in line and at the same height as your other teeth and fits in your mouth properly.
Next, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth and teeth to make sure the crown is constructed to perfection. Finally, the crown is installed on your tooth and final polishing is done to make sure it matches everything else.
Crowns and Ceramics
There are four types of crowns that are still in use today. Of the four, there are two types of crowns that are most common.
- Gold base crowns
- All metal crowns
- Metal and Porcelain crowns
- All Porcelain crowns
Metal and porcelain crowns have dominated the market for a long time due to their compromise between durability and price. These days, advancements in ceramics have made all porcelain crowns as popular as the older models. All porcelain crowns are equally durable but match the appearance of your teeth better and the price has finally come down to the same level.
At Wooten Dentistry, porcelain crowns are the future and we can help you when it comes to replacing or creating new crowns according to your needs.
Talk to Us About Crowns Today
If you haven’t been for a checkup in a long time or have a crown that needs replacing, contact us today at Wooten Dentistry. Our experienced staff and highly educated dental professionals can help get you the latest and greatest when it comes to crowns and high level dental care.