A dental crown is a dental restoration used to cover a tooth that has become damaged. It is bonded over the top of your natural tooth, covering the entire visible portion of the tooth. At our practice in Karen J Harris & Associates, we offer different types of dental crowns in St. Louis, MO, which are stain-resistant and natural-looking.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Dental Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are one of the most common types of dental crowns, offering superior strength and durability.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns consist of a metallic base that is overlaid with a porcelain layer. The porcelain layer can be custom-shaped to perfectly match the surrounding teeth for a beautiful, natural appearance.
All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
All-porcelain dental crowns, also called all-ceramic dental crowns, are mirror-like in appearance. However, they are typically not as durable as other types of dental crowns, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal. All-porcelain crowns are best for patients who want a cosmetic improvement but don’t need to withstand a lot of pressure or function. All-porcelain crowns can be made to match the color of your teeth, but they usually don’t look as natural as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Gold Dental Crowns
Gold crowns are popular for their ability to blend in seamlessly with the rest of a patient’s smile. They can be fashioned from alloys, which can include a mixture of metals such as copper, silver, and zinc. Alloys are made with other precious metals and can have varying colors. Gold crowns are ideal for patients who want to maintain a natural appearance, but they are prone to tarnishing and discoloration.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
A crown may be recommended for a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment or for a tooth that is fractured, severely decayed, or worn down. It may also be recommended to cover a tooth after a dental implant is placed. A crown is usually recommended to restore the strength and structure of a tooth that is damaged, broken, or weakened. Call us to learn more.
Advantages of Dental Crowns in St. Louis, MO
A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers a tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. A crown can repair a cracked tooth, cover a stained tooth, or cover a misshapen or poorly formed tooth.
There are several benefits to choosing dental crowns in St. Louis, MO. Dental crowns are made from tooth-colored porcelain, so they will blend into the smile. This makes them a popular choice for repairing highly visible teeth. Dental crowns also strengthen teeth, protect teeth from further damage, and can improve a person’s bite.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Dental crowns are usually placed in two appointments. At the first appointment, our dentist in St. Louis, MO, will prepare the tooth, take an impression, and place a temporary crown over it. Your permanent crown will be made in a dental lab, and during the second appointment, our dentist in 63103 will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent crown.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Caring for your dental crown in St. Louis, MO, is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain good oral health. It's important to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing daily will help remove food particles and plaque buildup around the crown.
Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or using your teeth as tools to prevent damaging the crown. Regular visits to our dentist in St. Louis, MO, for check-ups and cleanings are crucial in monitoring the condition of your crown and overall oral health.
If you notice any issues such as sensitivity, pain, or looseness with your dental crown, schedule an appointment with our dentists promptly. Following these simple care tips will keep your dental crown looking great and functioning properly for years to come.
To find out more about the benefits of dental crowns, visit Karen J Harris & Associates at 2000 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103 or call (314) 231-4893. Our team will be happy to see you!