A dental crown is an artificial prosthetic used by dentist to treat a variety of structural and cosmetic issues. If you have an issue with your teeth, your dentist may suggest a dental crown procedure as the solution. Dental crowns leesburg, va can be used to strengthen a weak tooth, fix a misalignment issue, or repair a tooth that has been cracked. Today, there are many different types of dental crowns to choose from. Which type of crown you and your dentist decide on will be based on what will be best to meet your needs. Here is more information on different types of dental crowns available.

Purpose of a Dental Crown

A dental crown is a synthetic cover, or cap, that is made to be secured to the top of a tooth. In most cases, the cap is custom-made to fit your tooth and is then it is permanently cemented into place. Once installed, the crown is secure and can only be removed by a dentist.

The first step to getting a crown made, is visiting your dentist for a measurement and preparation appointment. Prior to installing a crown, the tooth that it will be secured to must be slightly filed down and prepared. Once the tooth is prepped, an impression is taken of the tooth and the nearby teeth with putty that will be used as a mold by the lab where the crown will be made.

Types

Which type of crown is best for you may depend on many factors. Today, crowns can be made from numerous synthetic materials. The most common types of dental crowns are:

• Ceramic: Ceramic crowns are usually made from a porcelain-based material. This the type of crown most commonly used to repair front teeth. If made well, ceramic crowns can look almost identical to natural teeth.
• Porcelain-fused to metal: Made by fusing a porcelain exterior to a metal base, this type of crown is used when a stronger option is needed. For example, if you are needing to fix a back molar or a tooth that is involved in chewing, this would be a great durable choice.
• Gold alloys: Created using a mix of metal alloys, this type of crown will not fracture or deteriorate over time. This is another durable and strong crown option.

Differences Between Types

As mentioned, the key to choosing a crown that is appropriate for you is assessing your needs. Having a conversation with your dentist will help you make this decision and, in most cases, they will tell you what they think would be the best fit. If you need to strengthen a weakened tooth, your dentist may suggest an alloy or metal crown. If the problem you are trying to fix has to do with appearance, the ceramic or porcelain fused to metal crown will likely be your dentists pick. A ceramic crown may wear down over time or can stain from coffee or tea, but it is the type that will blend in the best with your natural teeth.

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