Types Of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are cap-shaped restorations to resemble a natural tooth. The primary purpose of dental crown restoration is to improve the overall health, structural integrity, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. For example, placing a crown can protect and strengthen its structure if a tooth has a failing filling or has undergone root canal treatment. However, crowns can also provide a strictly cosmetic improvement. For example, a crown may be attached to a dental implant or support a bridge to replace missing teeth. Several types of dental crowns are made using various materials and techniques. Dr. Spellman will recommend the best option based on your oral health, aesthetic goals, and budget.

Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns

Dr. Spellman will often make the temporary crown in his dentist’s office. First, he places the temporary crowns to maintain a patient’s appearance and minimize sensitivity until he or a laboratory makes the permanent crown. Then, Dr. Spellman will take traditional or digital impressions to design temporary and permanently customized crowns. Dr. Spellman may also take dental images of your teeth or use a shade guide to get further information from the lab technicians. This information will ensure that the new crown looks completely natural.

Same-Day Dental Crowns

Sometimes, Dr. Spellman may be able to place a same-day crown. Using computer-aided design technology and computer-aided (CAD/CAM) systems such as CEREC®, many cosmetic dentists offer this convenient dental option. Patients won’t need to receive a temporary crown; Dr. Spellman can mill the crown on-site while waiting. CEREC® same day dental crowns are made from blocks of durable dental porcelain.

Types Of Dental Crown Materials

Once our Larchmont dentist, Dr. Spellman determines that dental crown restoration is the best way to repair your beautiful smile, he will review each available material’s advantages and drawbacks.

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman typically recommends all-porcelain crowns to restore the front teeth because they offer superior aesthetics.

Dental crowns made of porcelain or ceramic are preferred for the front teeth because they look the best cosmetically. These materials are translucent, like natural enamel, and can be precisely shaded. Unfortunately, all-ceramic restorations lack the strength and durability of metal crowns. All-ceramic restorations also tend to be the more expensive.

Metal Crowns

Your cosmetic dentist will sometimes recommend gold and other alloys for the molars. In addition, stainless steel dental crowns are often used for pediatric patients because baby teeth require protection from further decay or deterioration. Metal crowns are highly resistant to wear and tear from chewing and biting and tend to last longer than other materials. However, the biggest drawback is the appearance because metal is visible against the tooth’s enamel. For this reason, metal crowns are usually placed in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain-Fused To Metal Dental Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer some of the same features as all-porcelain and all-metal dental crowns. Dr. Spellman will match the porcelain to the surrounding teeth, so they blend naturally into patients’ smiles. In addition, the metal makes them more durable than all-porcelain dental crowns, so they are often incorporated into dental bridges. Some patients can develop a dark line at the base of their crowns as the metal becomes more visible if the gums recede.

Find The Right Dental Crown For You

Although dental crowns last anywhere from five to 15 years in the past, newer materials have elongated their lifespan. With daily dental care, some crowns can last 20 years or more. To ensure the longevity of the dental crown, you should always practice proper dental hygiene, brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Also, It’s best if you visit Dr. Spellman’s office for checkups and cleanings twice each year so we can check the integrity of your crown restoration. If you need dental crown restoration, speak with the Larchmont dentist’s office of Dr. Eric Spellman to learn which type best meets your unique needs.