Crowns

Dental crowns are used in many different dental procedures. A crown can provide cosmetic improvement or be part of replacing one or more teeth. The crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a prepared existing tooth to repair damage or as part of a dental appliance and is the most common dental treatment used today.

When a tooth is damaged or worn down above the gum line, the damage can be removed and the tooth prepared to receive a crown. In larger procedures, such as implants, root canals, or dental bridges, crowns provide tooth replacement or foundations for bonding.

The type of crown chosen depends mainly on the budget of the patient and what the crown is needed for. Color choice plays a part in the choice of the crown as well as the strength of the crown material.

Stainless steel crowns are silver in color and are typically only used as temporary crowns, such as when a baby tooth needs to be repaired but will eventually fall out on its own.

Metal crowns are also silver in color, making them less desirable to most patients, especially if needed on the front teeth. However, back teeth have must stronger chewing forces, and the strength of a metal crown may be suggested since back teeth are less visible.

Ceramic or porcelain crowns are easy to color match to remaining teeth and are also strong enough to withstand strong chewing forces.

All-resin crowns are also good for color-matching and are more economical than porcelain or ceramic.

Stines Family Dentistry is taking new patients. Call 517-552-9210 for your appointment today.