Crowns – That Perfect Smile

That smile can make a difference – a huge difference! In fact, it also increases one’s self-confidence. Many people tend to feel insecure due to the way they look especially when smiling.

A procedure known as dental crowning is one of the best ways to solve this problem. A dental crown procedure involves capping the old or damaged tooth to make it look new and protects the tooth at the same time. There are several reasons why crowning is recommended by the dentist including protecting weak teeth, reconstructing damaged ones and even for aesthetic purposes such as hiding discolored teeth. Whatever the reasons may be, dental crowning can significantly improve one’s smile.

Choosing Your Crown Material

The crown type that may be used depends on the patient’s preference. Some people make their decision based on their budget, for aesthetic purposes and health reasons. Crowns that are made of metallic materials are quite popular as they last longer than other materials thanks to their resistance to wear and tear. Example of materials include gold, nickel or palladium. Aside from the wear and tear issue, another advantage is that the dentist doesn’t have to remove most of the tooth being covered. The metal also does not chip making it the perfect material for budget conscious individuals.

People that have allergies to metal might benefit from porcelain or ceramic crowns. The porcelain resembles and looks like natural teeth making it preferable for some patients. That said, it is not a cost-effective material as it tends to wear faster than crowns made of metals. Resin materials are also available and can be a good option for those who have a low-budget although it might compromise the quality as metal or porcelain is stronger than the resin.

Permanent or Temporary Crown

Choosing which crown depends on what one needs. A temporary crown such as stainless steel is often offered for kids as kids grow up and the primary tooth will come out and be replaced by the permanent tooth. Stainless steel crowns are also cost-effective as patients don’t need to visit their dentist several times. Permanent crowns are recommended for individuals who already have their permanent teeth as replacement is already done. Permanent crowns can also be expensive as they are specialized and made in dental laboratories.

If you are looking to have a dental crown procedure, it is important to consider the purpose as well as the budget. Metals can be expensive but last longer than other materials; that said, for people who have allergies or are sensitive to metals, it can be a problem.