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Dental crowns

Dental crowns are used for a variety of reasons. It could be because your tooth has been damaged due to decay and not able to support the tooth filling. When a child is at a risk of suffering from tooth decay in the future because he or she is not able to maintain the required oral hygiene, dental crowns help protect the teeth. These are also then the perfect way to reduce the number of times a child may require to be given general anesthesia for dental procedures.

Types of dental crowns

There are several types of dental crowns available today and here are some you can learn more about when you visit your dentist.

Stainless steel crowns

These are prefabricated and can be used as temporary crowns or even permanent teeth. These are used in place to protect a tooth or filling while a permanent crown is being made. It is a popular choice for children when it is fitted over primary teeth and can be removed later. When the primary tooth falls out to make way for the permanent one, the crown will come off naturally together with the old tooth. The reason for its popularity with children’s teeth is that it is cost effective and does not require frequent visits to the dentist.

Metal crowns

These are metal alloy or gold alloy dental crowns. When using metal crowns, there is no need to remove too much of the tooth structure. These crowns can withstand the force of biting and chewing as well and hence have a longer life.

All resin crowns

These are not expensive and do not have a long life either since they are prone to fractures when compared to other crowns.

Metal fused with porcelain

These are made so that the color matches that of the adjacent tooth. However, when compared to metal or resin crowns, these can wear the opposite teeth. Porcelain is also prone to breaking or chipping off.

All ceramic or all porcelain crowns

These are more of a color match than other crowns and are also more suitable for patients who are allergic to metal. They are, however, not as strong as metal crowns and may also wear the opposite teeth.

Dental crowns are either temporary or permanent. While the temporary ones can be made in your dentist’s office, permanent crowns will always be manufactured in a dental laboratory.