The Types of Dental Crowns & What is Best for You

Dental crowns as most of us know, are shell-like structures that attach to the visible portion of the teeth to restore their structure, function, and esthetics. In order to make a decision you might be wondering what are the main types of dental crowns used today, and what the procedure is like.

Dental Crown Options

Types of Dental Crowns

  • Metal Crowns – Professionals prepare these crowns using dental alloys. As a result, the alloys possess excellent strength and are mostly recommended for replacing molar teeth. This is because molar teeth bear heavy chewing forces. Unfortunately, their metallic appearance is an esthetic concern for many patients. Therefore, they are not commonly used for replacing front teeth.
  • Porcelain Crowns – A lot of patients are conscious of their smile and appearance. Because of this, we offer porcelain crowns which exactly match the shade and color of your teeth. Our doctors design your crowns to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, thereby improving your smile and facial esthetics. Due to their superior esthetics, porcelain crowns are specifically preferred to replace teeth that are visible during smiling and speaking.
  • Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns – These crowns combine the strength of the metal with the esthetics of the porcelain crowns. Structurally, they contain a metal framework, over which a coating of tooth colored porcelain is placed to enhance the esthetics. One of the drawbacks of these prostheses is a metal line which is visible beneath the porcelain coating. However, it is not very prominent.

At Centrasota Dental in Saint Cloud MN, we only use crowns materials because they are esthetically superior. They are also completely safe to use inside the oral cavity.

 

The Dental Crown Procedure

Fabrication and placement of dental crowns requires expertise and attention to detail. So, we carry their preparation out in more than one step:

  • Clinical Evaluation – not all patients may be eligible to get dental crowns. To assess your eligibility, our doctors will perform a detailed examination of your cavity. They will also look at your study models and x-ray images. Then, they use this to prepare a customized treatment plan according to your current dental status and esthetic requirements.
  • Tooth Preparation – Attachment of dental crowns to the teeth requires slight removal of the natural tooth structure. This creates room for the prostheses. We perform removal of the enamel layer in such a way that the prepared tooth has a cavity shaped exactly liked the crown that we will attach over it. Since we remove a very thin layer of the tooth, there is minimal risk of exposure. Thus, anesthesia is usually not required during tooth preparation.
  • Impression Making – An impression of the upper and lower teeth, especially the prepared tooth, is sent to the dental laboratory for preparation of the crown. Technique of laboratory fabrication is different for the three types of crowns (metal and porcelain). While the technician prepares the crown in the laboratory, we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. We do this to restore the esthetics and function of the tooth.
  • Attaching the Crowns to your Teeth – Once we receive the prepared crown back from the laboratory, our doctors will first try it on your teeth without permanent cementation. When both our doctors and you are satisfied with the esthetics and function of crown, it will be permanently attached to your teeth. We do this by using adhesive dental cement.

 

Why Centrasota is the Best Place to Get Dental Crowns

  • Highly Skilled Dental Team – Dr. Congdon and his team are highly experienced and trained in treating our patients in comfortable and pain-free environment. At Centrasota Dental, we make sure that dental treatment is a pleasant and enjoyable experience for you and your family
  • Individualized Care – At Centrasota Dental, we consider our patients as members of our family. Therefore, we will always provide you with the best dental treatment
  • Friendly Staff – At Centrasota Dental, whether you are waiting your appointment in the waiting area, or you’re getting dental treatment in the office, you will always feel at home. This is because of our friendly and courteous staff, which makes sure that you are well taken care of.

The dental crown procedure we use in our center in St. Cloud, MN are time-tested and employ state-of-the-art dental techniques and technology.

Call us at 320-252-330 with your questions and speak to a specialist about what’s best for you.

 

Disclaimer: These articles are not meant to be dental or medical advice. They are just a resource should you want to know more about our dental technologies, doctors and services.