With all the dental care options today, why do you need a dental crown?
Time and wear can erode tooth enamel and cause teeth to lose their shape. Other times, a dental mishap can cause a tooth to break or crack. In this case, Dr. Jayne will recommend a crown to protect the integrity of your tooth by preserving the tooth’s natural structure. Crowns are sometimes used to restore your tooth’s appearance, especially in cases of noticeable wear.
The many reasons a dental crown is needed
There are a few other reasons dental crowns are put into place:
- To protect a tooth from breaking or cracking further
- To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover a severely discolored or misshaped tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a tooth that’s had a root canal
How dental crowns are made
Dental crowns are made from a number of different materials, each with different benefits. You’ll find that most dentists create permanent crowns from metal, composite resin, ceramic, or porcelain.
As a holistic dentistry practice, we prefer porcelain crowns for many reasons. Porcelain is a non-toxic dental material that is better for your health. It works with the body’s natural systems, making it a biocompatible material that naturally adheres to your DNA. It’s also five times stronger than your natural teeth. Unlike some other materials used in crowns, porcelain can also be matched to the exact color of your teeth.
Metals like gold, platinum, nickel, or base-metal alloy crowns are commonly used for out of sight molars. These metals are incredibly strong and long-lasting and rarely break. However, metals aren’t for everyone. They are not the color of natural teeth and for some people, they cause allergic reactions and other side-effects.
Composite resin crowns are a popular option since they are less expensive than other materials. The downside is they are more likely to crack and wear down more quickly.
Ceramic is a beautiful option with a natural color match which works well for teeth in the front and back.
How long does a dental crown last?
Porcelain, ceramic, composite resin and metal dental crowns are permanent. If they are well taken care of, crowns made of these materials can last between five and 15 years. However, there are a few factors that can shorten the lifespan of your permanent crown. Poor dental hygiene or habits like grinding or clenching teeth or nail biting can wear crowns down more quickly.
If you have current dental health needs, Dr. Jayne’s holistic approach to dental care keeps your long-term wellness in mind. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options.
