Dental crowns are one of the most important tools that a dentist can utilize. They take care of a variety of concerns, both cosmetic and restorative. What all can dental crowns fix? Dr. Joseph Catanzano of Foxhall Smiles discusses how Washington DC dental crowns can take care of your dental issues.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are designed to stabilize teeth or cover teeth that have an appearance you aren’t happy with. Crowns are like a cap for your tooth. They completely cover it on all angles. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials and are designed custom for every patient. This means that the shape and size are designed so that they fit in with the rest of your smile.
If you want your crown to blend in with the rest of your smile, porcelain ceramic can be color-matched to the rest of your smile. For a more economical option, stainless steel crowns are available. These are good for your molars, as they’re less visible in your smile. Metal is also extremely durable for crowns. Porcelain fused to metal can give you the aesthetic appeal of porcelain with the extra strength of metal.
Cosmetic Uses for Dental Crowns
When you have tooth discoloration, it can’t always be treated with traditional teeth whitening methods. Certain medications can permanently stain your teeth, making it difficult to find a solution. Since dental crowns cover the entire tooth, they’re a great solution. With crowns made of porcelain ceramic, they can be colored to match your other teeth so that you have a flawless, even smile.
Dental crowns are also good to cover any misshapen teeth you may be insecure about. They can increase the functionality of these teeth as well if you have problems with that. With teeth that are worn down due to the wear and tear of age, dental crowns can make them look brand new!
Restorative Uses for Dental Crowns
One of the main uses of a dental crown is to stabilize a weakened tooth. This is especially true in the case of getting a root canal. The tooth pulp that’s infected is removed and replaced with a biocompatible material. A dental crown helps seal off the tooth from more infection and restores the full use of your tooth. They can also be used to give you back the use of a cracked or broken tooth, as well as make sure it stays held together.
Dental crowns are also most commonly used as the final restoration for a dental implant. Implants consist of a titanium post that’s placed in the jaw, and then an abutment piece that connects the post to the final restoration. A dental crown makes it look like a natural tooth and allows you to bite and chew things like a natural tooth would.
Lastly, dental crowns can be used to fortify teeth to support a dental bridge. When just natural teeth are used to support a bridge, wear and tear happens quicker. Those teeth are also at a higher risk for tooth decay. With a dental crown over it, you don’t have to worry about detrimental impacts on your natural teeth.
Getting Dental Crowns in Washington DC
Can dental crowns take care of your dental concerns? Call us or schedule an appointment online.