Dental crowns are a common dental procedure because they have many benefits. If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, you may have a lot of questions. If you would like to know more about dental crowns and which one is right for you, keep reading. 

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is an oral prosthetic. The dentist uses dental cement to bond the crown to your tooth. To prepare the tooth for the crown, however, the dentist must remove all or most of the tooth's enamel. This permanently alters the tooth, but the dental crown serves as the new enamel. If the dentist doesn't remove enamel or enough enamel, the crown won't fit correctly, making the tooth look bulky.

With a dental crown, a tooth is better protected from decay. However, some crowns may irritate the gum tissue, causing a mild recession, which can expose the tooth's roots (which aren't protected by the crown or enamel). If you continue to brush and floss regularly, decay should not be an issue.

What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?

There are multiple types of dental crowns, including:

• Composite resin crowns
• Metal crowns
• Porcelain crowns
• CEREC crowns

Composite resin crowns are some of the most affordable and they are white. However, they are not as durable as other options. Metal crowns, on the other hand, are the most durable option, making them an excellent choice for molars.

If you want the most attractive option, however, consider porcelain crowns. For front teeth, your dentist may use all-porcelain crowns to mimic the look of natural tooth tissue. On back teeth, porcelain-fused-to-metal is better because of the added durability and strength. CEREC crowns are also all-porcelain, but they can be made in the dental office.

What Can Dental Crowns Do?

The main goal of a dental crown is to strengthen teeth. You may need a dental crown on teeth:

• With severe decay
• With large fillings
• After root canal treatment
• With lots of cracks
• After major tooth restoration treatment

However, cosmetic dental crowns can also fix many other issues. Because the dentist files down the teeth and replaces the exterior, crowns can make teeth look straighter, longer, shorter, closer together, etc. They also correct stubborn stains.

If you have weak teeth and/or want a more attractive smile, consider dental crowns. At the very least, a dental crown can prevent future tooth damage and loss by strengthening teeth. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns, contact a dentist in your area today.