What Are Dental Crowns?

Has your dentist recently recommended you could invest in a leesburg dental crown and you weren’t sure what he meant? A dental crown is a treatment option that can be used for repairing a fractured or cracked tooth, a tooth that has become weakened, or a tooth that is misaligned. Before you commit to the dental crown procedure you may want to learn a bit more about what dental crowns are and if they are the most cost-effective route to meet your dental needs. Below is more information about dental crowns and what you can expect from a dental crown procedure.

How A Dental Crown Works

A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic device that is used to fix numerous aesthetic and structural problems with teeth. The crown works kind of like a cover or cap that is secured to the teeth. Once a crown is installed in the mouth, it is semi-permanent and is not removable like a set of dentures. Crowns are cemented to teeth and can only be removed by a dentist. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, acrylic, ceramic, or porcelain. When choosing the material for the crown there are many things to consider. A crown made from porcelain or ceramic can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth while a metal crown can provide the strongest option. An alternative and popular option is porcelain bonded to a metal alloy crown which can be a strong and attractive choice.

Why Choose A Crown

Dental crowns are a great solution for many dental problems. Your dentist may suggest a dental crown treatment to:

  • Fix a large filling
  • Strengthen a weak tooth that is at risk of cracking
  • Repair a cracked tooth
  • Attach a dental implant
  • Cover a tooth that has aesthetic issues, either in color or in shape

Longevity of A Crown

The average life of a dental crown is between 10 and 30 years. Why the large range? The life of the crown is based on many different factors including where in the mouth the crown is and what material it is made of. Crowns in the back of the mouth may be damaged by chewing and functional use. In general, the average crown lasts at least 8 years and can last even longer if you practice good oral hygiene.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crown

A dental crown can be a great choice for restoring or repairing a damaged or weakened tooth. There are many cosmetic treatment options available to you. A dental crown may seem like a big investment up front, and you may want to consider if the procedure would be covered by your dental insurance provider. The best place to start when deciding if a crown is good for you is to have a conversation with your dentist about your needs and what all of your treatment options are. You may also consider contacting your dental insurance provider and seeing if the cost of the procedure is either partially or fully covered.

More on Dental Crowns : dental crown procedure

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