No matter how diligent you are with your oral care, tooth decay or a crack or chip is possible. Most likely, your dentist will recommend a crown to cover and protect the damaged area. However, there are various types used in different situations, which the guide below helps explain.

Why You Could Need a Crown

A hard sheath that covers your tooth above the gumline, crowns restore function and structural integrity to your tooth and prevent future or worsening damage. They can be applied over fillings if there’s not enough tooth material to hold the filling in place, and they’re used after root canal procedures to reinforce the hollowed-out tooth structure.

If you have weak or at-risk teeth, then crowns will protect them from bacteria, corrosive substances, and the stress of chewing, keeping them intact. Crowns may also serve as stabilization anchors for other dental treatments, such as bridges, where a dental implant is reinforced by a crown on either side. They’re also used to top the titanium post of a dental implant.

In cosmetic dentistry, crowns are used to restore a pleasing, natural appearance to teeth with gaps or that are discolored or misshapen.

What Types Are There?

Crowns can be made from metal alloys, ceramic, porcelain, and resins, and some use more than one of these materials. Porcelain and ceramic look natural, but they’re more susceptible to damage and may erode the adjacent teeth. Metal alloys are biocompatible, which means they’re less likely to cause oral irritation, and they last for decades, but they’re preferred for use on back teeth so the metal won’t be visible to others.

For the best of both worlds, there are crowns where porcelain is fused over metal to provide a natural finish with long-lasting durability. Ceramic-porcelain crowns are available, too, in which hardened ceramic is surrounded by porcelain, resulting in a longer life and more natural appearance than either material provides alone. Lastly, composite resins are most affordable. Price, placement, the condition of your gum tissue, and your preference will all be considered when your dental professional recommends a material to you.

If you are in need of dental crowns, contact Genrich Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. Experienced and attentive, their oral care team is devoted to providing advanced and comprehensive dental services. Proud members of the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and the Lincoln District Dental Association, they’re able to treat patients of all ages.  Learn about their services online. Then call (402) 466-2211 to schedule your consultation.