Dental Implant Crowns Specialist

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a cover for a damaged tooth. Placed on top of the original tooth, which has been disinfected, cleaned and modified to fit the crown, the final crown is sculpted to the shape of the original tooth and can improve its appearance and strength. Once fitted, It's sealed in place with a special cement to prevent further decay.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that's surgically anchored to your jawbone, beneath the gum line. It’s like an artificial tooth root. Dental implants help you bite, chew, and smile with confidence. They're sturdy, stable teeth that resemble and function like natural teeth.

Should I choose crowns or implants?

Dental crowns and dental implants each offer unique benefits, and the choice of which to get depends on your needs and the state of your teeth. Note that good candidates for dental implants have healthy gums, and their jaws are finished growing. Dental implants are not for children but are an excellent solution for adults.

Crowns are perfect for covering a damaged, discolored, or oddly-shaped tooth. In addition to making a natural tooth look better, crowns can provide support to a tooth, and strengthen teeth that are at risk of breaking or that have weakened as a result of large fillings.

Meanwhile, if you're missing one or multiple teeth, dental implants can serve as sturdy and natural-looking replacements. Implants also offer help if you’re looking to support or secure other dental work, like dentures and bridges.

What type of crown is best for my teeth?

Dental crowns can be constructed from many materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Gold or another alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

The material used will depend on several factors. For instance, stainless steel is typically the go-to material for temporary crowns and are a frequent choice for children who need crowns on baby teeth.

Metal crowns are durable and can tolerate the impact of chewing and biting, but because of their color, they’re usually reserved for use in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For instance, the opposing teeth may endure more wear than they would with other types of crowns, and the metal portion of the crown may show as a dark line near the gums.

All-resin crowns are generally a less expensive option but are also more prone to cracking, whereas all-ceramic crowns are the best option for people who have metal allergies.

Would you like to learn more about dental implants or dental crowns, or do you need a crown restored or replaced? Take the first step toward a more confident smile and a more confident you. Contact the experienced professionals at Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, or make an appointment online.