A beautiful and healthy smile is considered an important asset all over the world. Should you also be convinced of the benefits of a flawless smile, but you have cracked or severely decayed teeth, you might be a candidate for dental crowns. You should consult your Burien dentist to find the best solution for your individual needs but before that, here are few important facts you should know about dental crowns.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a dental restoration solution, which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Dental crowns can be produced from a variety of materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

What types of dental crowns can you choose from?

Dental crowns can be fabricated from various materials. Depending on what they are made from, dental crowns could be:

• Full Porcelain Crowns – Natural-looking crowns made of zirconium or aluminum-oxide.

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns – Also known as “full cast” crowns, these are made with metal alloys and porcelain is fused to the surface to create a natural-looking appearance.

• All-Metal Crowns – Made entirely out of alloys such as a gold alloy. These dental crowns tend to last the longest, but because of aesthetic reasons are usually used to restore back teeth.

Are dental crowns the right solution for me?

Dental crowns might be the perfect solution for you, if you have:

• A severely decayed tooth
• A cracked tooth or teeth
• Badly discolored or stained tooth
• Misshapen tooth
• Teeth that need an implant or a dental bridge

If you would like to know whether dental crowns are the right solution for you, you should consult a medical professional like Dr. Lee from Burien Family Dental Care. Dr. Lee would offer you a thorough examination and help you choose the best solution for your individual needs.

What are the main benefits of dental crowns?

The key benefits of dental crowns include:

• Protection against tooth decay
• Restoration of your ability to chew and communicate properly
• Long lasting solutions with great durability
• Better looking smile and better self-confidence

How to take proper care of my dental crowns?

After dental crown treatment, it is very important that you take proper daily care for your crowns to ensure their longevity. Burien dentists recommend brushing and flossing the crowned teeth three times a day. In addition, crowned teeth may be prone to increased sensitivity, therefore, the usage of dental products, designed for sensitive teeth may be a good decision for your better comfort. You should also be careful with very hard or sticky foods, which might damage your crowns or cause them to dislodge.