Are Dental Crowns right for you?
When it comes to restoring your smile, you may have a few different options available to you. Dental crowns are one of the most popular options and are made from porcelain to look natural and restore the function of your teeth. But are dental crowns suitable for you? Here is a look at the pros and cons of these dental restorations available at Cassell Dentistry in the San Diego, CA area.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a restoration used to cap or cover a tooth. Crowns can be used as a method of repairing the function and appearance of your teeth, as well as protecting them from further damage. There are several types of dental crowns available, depending on your particular needs. Metal crowns are caps that fit over the entire visible portion of your teeth but are extremely noticeable within the smile. This is why our team at Cassell Dentistry often recommends the many benefits of porcelain dental crowns. Porcelain is commonly used in dentistry because it mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel for seamless integration.
Why dental crowns are needed
Your teeth may require a dental crown for a variety of reasons. This restoration can be used to fix broken or damaged teeth, hide unsightly cracks and chips, and strengthen a tooth due to decay or damage. In addition, they are often used when patients have dental implants placed to replace a missing tooth. The crown is designed to fit on the abutment of the dental implant to act as a false tooth. Patients might also have crowns fused to false teeth called pontics to create a dental bridge designed to replace one or more teeth in a row. These versatile restorations can be used in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry with Dr. Cassell.
The advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns
Patients who are advised by their dentist that they could benefit from restoring the smile will want to speak to our team about the pros and cons of dental crowns. Below are just a few things to consider when thinking about restoring one or more teeth in the smile:
The benefits of porcelain dental crowns
One of the most significant advantages that these restorations have over metal caps is that they have the appearance of natural enamel. Furthermore, they look just like real teeth once bonded into place on your existing natural enamel. There is no reason to worry about the appearance of your smile, as Dr. Cassell can create a dental crown that will integrate flawlessly. These restorations are extremely strong and can provide extra strength and durability to a tooth that might be weakened by large cavities or trauma.
The disadvantages of porcelain dental crowns
Although these crowns are made of solid porcelain, they can fracture over time. A tooth is still living tissue and can be damaged by continuous grinding or brushing against the restoration. Porcelain dental restorations also cost more than traditional metal caps, but they do provide a long-term solution that many patients prefer to maintain their smile’s natural appearance. It is always a good idea to maintain regular dental appointments to monitor the health of the smile and ensure that cavities are not forming on the tooth structure underneath and that periodontal disease is not affecting the placement or health of the natural tooth.
Request an appointment with a dentist in Mission Valley
Dr. Jon Cassell and his team at Cassell Dentistry are here to assist with the general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry needs of patients in the area of Mission Valley. If you live in or around the area and are ready to work with our trained professionals, we welcome you to call our office at (619) 220-7475 to request an appointment. We are conveniently located at 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite #412, and are open to new and returning patients and families considering quality care with our experts.