A bright and healthy smile can light up anyone’s day. But what if your teeth have seen better days? A chipped, discolored, or broken tooth can make you think twice about flashing your pearly whites. But a dental crown procedure can help restore your confidence.
While commonly perceived as a cosmetic procedure, dental crowns can give you more than a dazzling grin. So, how do you know if it’s the right choice?
No worries, I’m here to help you think this through. As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
I write a lot about health, confidence, self love. So let’s take a deeper look at cosmetic dentistry and learn when a dental crown is necessary – versus not. Find out as we explore the top scenarios that make you a great candidate.
Think of high-quality dental crowns as tiny, tough hats for your teeth. This oral appliance envelopes the entire tooth, unlike veneers, which only cover the front section. They fit snugly into your teeth and are designed to replicate and improve your pearly white’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. They can last for many years with proper care.
So, what are the primary uses of dental crowns?
You may crack or chip their teeth during accidents or biting hard and dry foods. This isn’t only uncomfortable. It also weakens your chompers, exposing the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, inviting cavities and potential infection. A crown encases the fractured tooth, restoring its functions and preventing further damage.
Your teeth could deteriorate due to grinding, chewing, or age. This can affect your appearance and make it difficult to bite or chew properly. Because a crown can cover worn enamel, you’ll enjoy a natural-looking and functional tooth once again.
Sometimes, extensive tooth decay or damage requires a large filling. But there’s a limit to how much filling your tooth can take. A dental crown provides extra reinforcement and prevents the filling from fracturing. Think of it as building a strong foundation for your tooth’s future.
Root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of your tooth. After a root canal, the tooth is essentially a shell of its former self. It’s vulnerable to breakage and infection. A crown saves you from these risks and lets you smile, chew, and speak normally without worrying about further complications.
Dental crowns are fantastic, but what if your tooth is missing altogether? Enter dental implants, the champions of replacing missing teeth. These small, screw-like posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. Your dentist typically places a custom-made crown on top, mimicking a natural tooth after placing a connector.
Dental crowns can be used for purely cosmetic purposes. Aesthetic concerns like misshapen teeth, gaps, and severe discoloration will all be a thing of the past. That’s because a crown’s color and shape can be customized to create a natural-looking set.
Now that you know the reasons for possibly needing a dental crown, it’s time to find out the essential steps when getting one:
Your dentist will examine your tooth and discuss the best treatment options. After ensuring that a dental crown is right for you, they’ll take impressions or digital scans to ensure a perfect fit.
During your next appointment, your dentist will reshape your tooth to accommodate the crown. They’ll remove a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown to fit properly.
Your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the office for placement. Your dentist will try it on you and make the necessary adjustments before cementing the crown.
Dental crowns are versatile, but there might be other options more suitable for you. For example, veneers might be a more conservative solution for minor chips and cracks.
The materials used for dental crowns can also vary. For example, front teeth prioritize aesthetics, so porcelain crowns that mimic natural enamel are preferred. Back teeth endure more chewing pressure, so metal or combined crowns offer extra strength.
Dental crowns provide aesthetic and restorative dental solutions. However, they aren’t for everyone. The best way to know whether you need one is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. These oral health professionals will consider several factors, including the extent of tooth damage, the patient’s gum structure, lifestyle, and desired outcomes. So, your personalized treatment plan may or may not involve a dental crown. Even so, trust that your dentist will always give you a reason to smile.
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