Do dental crowns require special care?

Dental crowns are commonly used for restoration of damaged teeth and sometimes for cosmetic purposes. Many people have at least one crown, whether it’s a metal crown or a tooth-colored crown made of porcelain or composite materials. In general, crowns can be cared for just like the rest of your teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns. The type used depends upon your preferences, the preferences of your dentist, and the location and type of the tooth being treated. Different types of crowns require slightly different considerations when it comes to long-term care, but for the most part, regular dental hygiene and some minor precautions will keep your crowns looking good for years to come.

The major types of dental crowns are:

Temporary crowns to treat baby teeth. These are often made of stainless steel, which is relatively inexpensive. Since the baby teeth will fall out, there is no need to use an expensive permanent crown.

Gold crowns. Used to treat adult teeth, these crowns are durable but very visible. They can also cause intermittent discomfort because they are conductive. This is more common when the crown is placed over a tooth that already has a metal filling. Gold crowns are more often used on molars because they stand up well to chewing pressures.

Porcelain crowns. These crowns are tooth-colored and are often used on front teeth where a gold crown would be considered unattractive. Porcelain is not as durable as metal, and you should take some precautions to avoid chipping or breaking the crown.

Metal bonded with porcelain. These crowns are made of metal but covered with tooth-colored porcelain. They stand up well to chewing pressures and also have a natural look. The porcelain can still chip or break, however.

Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?

Crowns are usually reserved for restorations. If a tooth is severely cracked or has broken off, a crown is the best way to make it usable again. Crowns are also placed on teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.

To discuss more of your options, contact our dentist office today!