Even with careful consideration of our teeth, sometimes brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and routine dental visits are not enough to keep the enamel in good shape. Unfortunately, due to genetics and lifestyle choices, many people may be more vulnerable to compromised teeth than others, but there are still ways to remedy and even prevent further damage. With the help of Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can ensure your oral health remains strong and your smile confident through useful dental prosthetics.
WHAT ARE CROWNS USED FOR?
If you have gold recently that you may benefit from a crown, this means that not only can your tooth be salvaged, but that there is a way to protect it from whatever caused the destruction. A crown is a permanent addition to your mouth that can strengthen a tooth or help provide support to surrounding teeth. It can also be used for aesthetic reasons, such as making a chipped tooth appear more attractive.
A crown can be made of many different types of materials depending on your particular needs. A tooth in the back that needs a crown, for example, may use gold or metal alloy to grant added durability to a chewing surface, whereas a porcelain bond may be used for front teeth to make it less noticeable. Both porcelain and ceramic crowns can be made to look just like your natural tooth and are usually the most preferred, but a metal base with a porcelain bond can add strength and beauty to any replacement.
BENEFITS OF GETTING A CROWN
For those who may be missing a tooth, rather than risk the complications of shifting and loosening of surrounding teeth, a prosthetic bridge may be used to keep the rest of your teeth firmly in place. The teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared to hold a permanent crown that is attached to and will provide support for the artificial tooth.
Those who may have to resort to dental implants will find that a crown is one of the most important parts of getting the implant. Because they can be composed of a material that looks and feels just like a real tooth, once the implant receives the crown, it can be indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Even better, since the implant is created through the fusion of metal and bone, it can become a permanent part of the mouth that can last a lifetime with proper care.
To protect your crown, you will need to avoid certain types of food, such as extra sticky or hard substances. Crunching on ice can be like rocks on your enamel and can destroy the replacement quickly if it becomes a habit. Just because a tooth is made out of a different type of material than the permanent tooth does not mean you can be lax in its upkeep, so continuing to maintain excellent dental hygiene practices can keep your crown in optimal shape.
Crowns can be a beneficial addition to any smile, so if you would like more information about how they could help you to regain confidence, please give us here at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry a call at (360) 456-1200 to schedule an appointment.