How Dental Crowns Improve Oral Health

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that encase a damaged or weakened tooth, providing protection and restoration to its original shape and function. Typically made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these, crowns are designed to cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They play a crucial role in improving oral health by strengthening and reinforcing teeth compromised due to decay, large fillings, or fractures. Crowns in Lubbock, TX, restore the tooth's structural integrity, which helps maintain proper bite alignment and prevent further damage. Additionally, they can improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, thereby enhancing overall dental aesthetics. By safeguarding and reinforcing weakened teeth, dental crowns contribute to long-term oral health and functionality, allowing for improved chewing, speaking, and overall comfort. 

Types of Dental Crowns 

Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns are highly popular for their natural appearance, closely mimicking the color and translucency of natural teeth. They are an excellent choice for front teeth, where aesthetics are a priority, offering a seamless blend with your existing smile. 

Benefits: 

• Excellent color match to natural teeth 

• Highly aesthetic, great for visible areas 

• Metal-free, ideal for those with metal allergies 

• Biocompatible with gum tissue 

• Durable with proper care 

Ceramic Crowns 

Like porcelain, ceramic crowns offer a highly aesthetic option that is biocompatible and ideal for people with metal allergies. These crowns provide a strong and durable solution while maintaining a natural look, making them suitable for front and back teeth. 

Benefits: 

• Highly aesthetic, with a natural look and feel. 

• Metal-free, suitable for patients with metal allergies. 

• Durable enough for both front and back teeth. 

• Resistant to wear and tear. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns 

PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of a porcelain exterior. They are durable and provide a balance between aesthetics and strength, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. However, they may sometimes show a dark line at the gumline. 

Benefits: 

• Strong and durable 

• Natural-looking porcelain exterior 

• Suitable for front and back teeth 

• More affordable than all-porcelain crowns 

• Long-lasting with proper care 

Metal Crowns 

Metal crowns, made from alloys such as gold, platinum, or base metals, are incredibly strong and durable. They are ideal for molars where chewing forces are greatest. Though they lack the natural appearance of other types, their longevity and strength are unmatched. 

Benefits: 

• Exceptional strength and durability, ideal for molars. 

• Long-lasting with minimal wear over time. 

• Less tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation. 

• Resistant to chipping or breaking. 

• Cost-effective and often require fewer visits for placement. 

Resin Crowns 

Resin crowns are a more affordable option than other materials, but they may not be as durable. Due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of application, they are typically used as temporary crowns or for children's primary teeth. 

Benefits: 

• Resin crowns are more affordable than other types, making them budget-friendly. 

• The procedure to place resin crowns is straightforward and less time-consuming. 

• Resin can be color-matched to blend with surrounding teeth for a more natural appearance. 

• Ideal for primary teeth or short-term solutions in children. 

How to Choose a Dentist for Dental Crown Placement?

Choosing the right dentist for dental crown placement involves evaluating their qualifications, experience, and the technology they use. Look for a dentist with a strong background in restorative or cosmetic dentistry and extensive experience with dental crowns. Checking online reviews and requesting personal recommendations can provide insights into their reputation and patient care. Additionally, assess the clinic's equipment and materials, ensuring they use modern technology like digital impressions and high-quality crown materials.

Consider the overall patient experience by gauging the dentist's communication style and the professionalism of the clinic staff. A good dentist will take the time to explain your options, address your concerns, and make you feel comfortable throughout the process. Also, ensure the clinic is clean, well-organized, and transparent about costs, including compatibility with your insurance. Your comfort and confidence in the dentist's abilities are critical to a successful dental crown placement. 

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown 

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two primary visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist in Lubbock, TX, will examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess its health. If the tooth is deemed suitable for a crown, the dentist will prepare it by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate it. Impressions of the tooth are then taken, either using traditional molds or digital scanning technology. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the custom crown is crafted. In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. 

At the second visit, once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the new one on the prepared tooth. They will check the crown's fit, shape, and color to ensure it aligns correctly with your bite and matches the surrounding teeth. Any necessary adjustments are made, and the crown is permanently cemented. The procedure is designed to be minimally invasive and typically ensures a durable, natural-looking restoration that restores both function and appearance to the affected tooth. Contact us to learn more. 

Whether you need to protect a tooth after a root canal, cover a dental implant, or enhance the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth, dental crowns can give you a durable, natural-looking result that blends perfectly with your smile. Visit Dr. James Thurber, DDS, at 2712 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79423, or call (806) 745-6644 to book your appointment and discover the transformative benefits of dental crowns.