Dental crowns are a great way to cover broken or damaged teeth. They can also help restore discolored teeth and improve their appearance.
The procedure typically involves two or more visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the supporting teeth are filed down to make room for the crowns and a mold is made of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are one of the most popular dental restorations and offer the most natural looking appearance. They can be matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth to look just like a natural tooth and brighten up your smile.
They are also considered bio-compatible, making them a good choice for people with allergies to metals. However, they are not as durable as metal crowns and can become damaged or discolored over time.
There are several types of porcelain crowns: traditional (feldspathic), empress, procera, lava, and zirconia. These crowns can be bonded directly to your tooth (which transmits the underlying tooth color and looks translucent) or milled on a CAD/CAM machine from a single block of material.
Ceramic crowns are the most natural-looking, but they may wear down faster than other materials. It is important to avoid biting down on hard or brittle foods and to stop habits like jaw clenching (bruxism). The best type of crown for your needs depends on your lifestyle, your teeth’s condition, and the treatment you require.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin custom made covers that cover the front surface of your teeth. They can be made of porcelain or resin composite materials and can change the shape, size, color or length of your teeth. They are also used to close small gaps between teeth or make corrections in alignment.
Many people worry that veneers will ruin their natural teeth but this is not the case. The dentist reshapes the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel to allow the veneers to fit comfortably over the tooth.
Unlike bonding and porcelain fillings, veneers are permanent and can last for decades if they are well cared for. However, they are not as durable as dental crowns Glendale AZ and may need to be replaced in the future. They are also less stain resistant than natural teeth and can show stains more easily. This means they will need more attention to maintain their appearance. But a good cosmetic dentist will be able to provide you with long-lasting beautiful smile.
Metal-Free Crowns
Unlike the grey, black, or steel color of metal crowns and fillings, metal-free restorations look more like natural teeth. This gives patients more confidence when they smile or laugh. Additionally, patients who have a history of metal allergies can benefit from this type of crown.
In addition to restoring chipped, broken, or damaged teeth, metal-free dental crowns Glendale AZ can also improve the appearance of a patient’s smile by covering discolored and misshaped teeth. In addition, crowns protect the remaining portion of a tooth from bacterial infection, thus helping to maintain the overall health of a patient’s mouth.
The average lifespan of a dental crown is 10 years, and it can last much longer with proper care. This includes practicing good oral hygiene habits and avoiding behaviors that put the tooth at risk, such as clenching or grinding (bruxism).
Metal-Free Veneers
When a tooth is severely decayed, fractured or weak beyond the scope of a filling, a crown can strengthen and repair it. It can also be used to replace a missing tooth. If you are considering this treatment option, there are several types of crowns available to you.
Metal crowns have been a common restoration for decades, but many patients do not appreciate the appearance of a metallic line next to their natural teeth. The new metal-free crowns offer a more natural appearance.
The process begins with a consultation. During this time, the doctor will evaluate your dental needs and recommend the appropriate type of crown. The dentist will then prepare the tooth for the crown by reshaping it and taking an impression or digital scan of your mouth to ensure that the crown fits comfortably in place. It is important to note that crowns may need adjustment over the long-term, and regular checkups are recommended.
