Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Are Porcelain Dental Crowns the Right Choice for Your Smile?

24 October 2018

Diane Mason

With so many cosmetic dental procedures from which to choose, getting a beautiful smile is no longer impossible. Porcelain dental crowns are a popular cosmetic choice because they fix many issues at once. If your smile is less than perfect and you want to finally do something to improve it, check out these four questions to determine if dental crowns are the right choice for you.

What Issues Do You Want to Correct?

Dental crowns fix many issues including cracks, chips, uneven teeth, gapping, overcrowding, stains, and more. However, many of these issues can be corrected with other procedures, such as tooth whitening and braces. Therefore, if you only have one issue, a dental crown may not be the best choice because the process permanently alters the tooth by removing the enamel. For this reason, it may be best to get dental crowns if you have many issues to fix at once.

Are Your Teeth Weak?

Some procedures aren't appropriate if your teeth are weak from things like major decay, big fillings, root canal treatment, and so on. For example, if you have weak, crooked teeth, they may not be strong enough to withstand braces. Dental crowns, however, can actually strengthen weak teeth by giving them a new solid surface. With the vulnerable spots gone, your tooth is less likely to break under pressure.

How Many Teeth Have Issues?

If your only concerns are cosmetic, dental veneers can correct the same issues as dental crowns, but they don't strengthen teeth, making them a poor choice if your teeth are weak. Dental veneers can also only be used on front teeth because they are less durable, and they only cover the front surface of teeth. Therefore, if your front teeth are the only ones you want to fix, and they are strong and healthy, veneers may be the better choice to reduce spending, but if you have back teeth with issues, dental crowns are a better choice.

Can You Continue to Care for Your Crowns after Treatment?

You may be under the false assumption that once you have dental crowns, your teeth are permanently protected. While the dental crowns do a great job of protecting your teeth from plaque and bacteria, they aren't impenetrable. If your gums begin to recede because you fail to keep your teeth clean, bacteria can reach below the gum line to attack the tooth root or get under the crown. Not only does this mean the tooth may start to decay or become developed, but it also means you'll likely need to replace the crown.

With porcelain dental crowns, you can get a beautiful and strong smile, but they may not be cost effective if your teeth are healthy or if you have minimal cosmetic concerns. For more information about dental crowns, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

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