You have probably noticed the vast number of celebrities that have perfect features. They have great hair, great skin, great bodies and perfect teeth. Even sports figures whom you would expect to be a little banged up due to the nature of their profession are always flashing bright and winning smiles. Many of them were not born with these features but have found it necessary to acquire them in the course of their professional lives. How you look affects how people treat you and how attractive they perceive you. You too can counter the effects of genetics, poor dietary and dental hygiene and other injuries on your teeth through the use of dental crowns.
The art and science of perfecting human dental structure has evolved into a professional field known as cosmetic dentistry. You may have suffered cracked or broken teeth or had tooth decay that eroded part of your tooth. If your teeth are stained or discolored or are oddly shaped, dental crowns are a good option for you. Dental crowns may also be necessary for those who have had fillings or dental bridge work previously done on their teeth. They may be placed on both children and adults’ teeth.
A dental crown is a cap that a dental practitioner places over your tooth covering it up to the base of the gum. It covers your existing tooth. There are several types of dental crowns available in the market. The two broad categories are permanent and temporary. Temporary crowns may be made at the dentist’s office, while permanent ones are usually manufactured in a laboratory once your dental structure is measured so that the crowns fit the intended teeth. The materials used to make crowns are as follows:
-
Metal Crowns
These crowns are made of alloys, which are a combination of two or more metals. They can be nickel, gold, chromium or other metal alloys. These crowns are a good choice as they are durable, can withstand years of biting and chewing and do not erode the teeth adjoining the crown. They also do not crack. Years ago, gold teeth were considered fashionable and it was not uncommon to see them adorning the smiles of many people.
Nowadays however, the fad has waned, relegating gold and metal alloys to the back teeth such as the molars and premolars where they are less likely to be seen. If you have allergic reactions to certain metals, you must tell your doctor who can either recommend another form of crown that will not adversely affect you.
-
Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
These crowns look like real teeth and are a great choice for cosmetic dental surgery. They can also be placed on your incisors and canines which are your most visible teeth. If you are allergic to metals, you may choose this option. The disadvantages of porcelain and ceramic crowns cause more erosion to the neighboring teeth and are prone to cracking.
-
Metal Crowns with Porcelain Coating
These are great options that merge the durability of metal crowns with the aesthetic of their porcelain counterparts. They do however cause erosion to the adjacent teeth and the porcelain can crack revealing the metal underneath.
-
Stainless Steel Crowns
These are great for children who need crowns for their baby teeth. Once the tooth comes out, so does the filling. Most children require crowns due to tooth decay. You need a crown that once in place, does not need frequent replacement and stainless steel crowns are a wonderful option because of their durability. Some children do not have great oral hygiene routines developed, hence these crowns are easy to maintain. Most stainless steel crowns are placed temporarily on a tooth to protect it while a more permanent measure is being sought. Stainless steel crowns are generally less expensive than other options.
Exercise proper dental hygiene once your crowns are in place. Otherwise, you will be in for more dental work that will cost you more money. The procedure involving the fitting of dental crowns is covered by most dental plans but you would be wise to check with your insurance agency before you embark on the same. It is proper to follow the dentist advice in order for you to smile back brightly, day in day out!
[box_light]Daniel Twose is a health blogger and loves to learn new things from his clients. He manages the website and it’s content for a popular Dentist in Canning Vale.[/box_light]
Related articles
- Who is a Candidate for Dental Crowns? (topdentists.com)
- Smile and that you will stay fresh – Las Vegas Tooth Implants (bnt.typepad.com)
- Dental Crowns FAQ (topdentists.com)
Leave a Reply