Dental cavities comes in all shapes and sizes, so the treatments do too. One common treatment to correct the damage caused by a cavity is to have a crown put on the tooth. The dentist must make a judgement call on these cases because sometimes the tooth cannot withstand the amount of drilling that needs to be done to remove the decay. Other reasons for a dental crown are to correct tooth problems, cover broken or discolored teeth, and to make a cosmetic modification. Just like one size doesn't fit all, neither does one material. There are four basic materials that crowns are made out of, each with their own benefits.
Ceramic
A ceramic crown is a very popular option because it is the type that can best be matched to your natural tooth color. The most common areas for using a ceramic crown are on front teeth, because it blends in so well and doesn't look like an obvious fake tooth. Ceramic is a porcelain-based material, so it also feels the most natural in the mouth. It isn't the strongest material though if you have a problem with teeth grinding, so it needs proper placement in the mouth to be the most effective.
Porcelain fused to metal
When a molar, or back tooth, needs to be replaced with a naturally colored crown, a porcelain fused to metal crown is the best option. This is because the porcelain color can still stand out, but it is more durable because of the metal structure. With a more durable crown, chewing is easier and the bite is stronger.
Gold Alloys
Gold teeth are still commonly used in different tooth locations. Gold teeth are not just made from gold though; they are a mix of gold, copper, and other metals to help strengthen the crown. This type of blend allows the crown to have a strong bond to the tooth, but it is strong enough to not fracture or wear away the actual tooth it is placed on. The biggest benefit of any metal based tooth is that it is going to be the strongest, most durable option available.
Base Metal Alloys
Metal fillings and crowns are not as common as they once were, but they are still around and possibly more effective than in years past. A metal crown is a mix of non-noble metals that not only make it a strong structure, but are also highly resistant to corrosion. The biggest benefit to this option is not the strength it provides though; instead, people choose this crown because it does not require a large portion of the tooth to be removed before application.
Each crown has its own benefits, so make sure you talk to your dentist about the right type of crown for your mouth. Contact a center like Welch Dental Care to learn more.
Share7 October 2015
Being born with naturally soft teeth, I've spent a lot of time in and out of the dentist's office. Not only have I learned a lot about basic dental care, I've also discovered many tips for dealing with broken teeth, extractions, implants, and more. I decided that I wanted to make the most of my experience by sharing what I've learned with others. True first-hand experience is a great teacher, and I knew that my story could help. I created this site to do just that, and I hope that the information here helps you to understand what to expect from your dental problems.