A dental crown is a common option for restoring a patient’s smile. But what scenarios call for a crown over something like a filling? Understanding how teeth can be repaired — and when they need extra help — can make understanding the importance of good oral hygiene easier.
Dentists might install a dental crown for various reasons, but they are not usually the first step. Most teeth that need a crown will have at least one existing restoration because dentists try to keep treatments as minimally invasive as possible.
Crowns can fix more significant problems with teeth than fillings can. The benefits of installing a dental crown include the ability to do the following.
A dental crown sits on top of a tooth to replace its biting surface. People who have previously lost the ability to use one of their teeth normally can now enjoy restored function, which means they can chew and speak like they used to.
Crowns can be made of many types of materials, and the dentist will select one based on the patient’s preference, budget, and needs. However, no matter the type of crown, it can withstand bite forces and last for many years with good care.
Sometimes, crowns are installed on teeth because they have already been restored numerous times. If a tooth becomes too weak due to multiple fillings or cavities, it may threaten to break apart under regular use. A crown can seal the tooth, enabling a patient to keep their natural tooth rather than needing to have it replaced.
A dental crown is made of a semi-translucent material that can convincingly mimic the look of a natural tooth. This is a great relief for many patients, who may be concerned about getting crowns out of fear that other people will be able to tell.
The dental crown’s materials reflect light and shine with a similar look to real teeth. The way they are adjoined with the tooth base may leave a small line, but this blends in with the gums to prevent crowns from being noticeable.
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If you are considering whether dental crowns are right for you, remember that a crown can restore function if you have a compromised tooth. Our dentist can install crowns that look and feel just like real teeth, so you will not be able to tell the difference at a glance.
Also, crowns can now last many years or even decades, so they work as a long-term smile restoration option. Please contact our office today in order to schedule an appointment with our dentist. This way, you can ask any questions that you have about crowns, get any concerns addressed, or start fixing your tooth with a crown that lasts.
Request an appointment or call Harborside Dental at 231-943-6076 for an appointment in our Traverse City office.
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