Types Of Dental Crowns & How To Choose The Right One

When you look at the wide variety of dental crowns available, you quickly get overwhelmed and even forget which type of crown you need. Let’s review the most common types of dental crowns and learn how to tell them apart.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over the top of your teeth. They can be made from porcelain or metal, depending on your dentist’s preference and needs. Dental crowns restore a tooth to its original shape and size after an injury or decay has occurred. 

When Should I Get A Dental Crown? 

As with most things in life, prevention is key to dental health. It’s always better to avoid an issue than fix it later! Your dentist can tell you if you need a crown by looking at your x-rays and examining your mouth. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact us right away:

  • Your tooth is cracked or broken.
  • You have a large cavity, and it’s affecting your bite.
  • Your tooth has become discolored or decayed to the point where it can’t be restored with a filling.
  • You have a tooth that is severely worn down, which can be caused by grinding your teeth at night or chewing on complex objects.
  • You’re having difficulty eating because of discomfort from a cracked or broken tooth.

These are just some reasons you need a dental crown, but there are many more. The point is that you should never ignore your dental symptoms, as they can signify something more serious.

Now that you understand what a dental crown is and why you might need it, it’s time to know the types of dental crowns you can choose from.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the most widely used type of restoration in dentistry. They cover the entire tooth, including the chewing surface and root. 

But how do you choose which one is right for you? Here’s a rundown of the different types:

Metal: Metal crowns are mostly made from gold, nickel, or palladium. They can last for many years without any issues, but they may be off because of their metallic color. That is why they are usually used as molar crowns.

Porcelain Fused To Metal (PFM): This is a combination of porcelain and metal. It’s often used for molars because it provides more strength than porcelain alone. They are also less likely to chip or crack than other types of crowns.

Ceramic: Ceramic crowns are very strong and durable but can chip or break if dropped on a hard surface. They’re made from porcelain which is heated to extreme temperatures so that it fuses together to form one solid piece.

Resin: Resin is a more affordable option than porcelain, but it’s also less durable. It’s made from a resin compound that’s baked at high temperatures to form a hard shell around the tooth.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are a common solution to dental problems, and they have been used for many years. If you’re looking for a solution to fill in your tooth gap or protect it from further damage, then a dental crown may be the perfect option.

Make sure to have the best dental care to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Watertown Dentistry, the best dentist in Watertown, is here to help. We can provide you with the brightest smile that will last for years to come.