Dental crowns have several uses in dentistry. A crown can hold together the parts of a cracked tooth, while protecting the tooth from decay. Crowns are used as a restorative measure for teeth which are broken or significantly worn down. If a cavity is particularly large, and there is more filling than actual tooth, a crown can be used to help support what is left of the natural tooth. Sometimes crowns are utilized cosmetically, to cover discolored or misshapen teeth. When someone requires only one dental implant, a crown is attached to the titanium post to give function and natural appearance to teeth. The type of crown that works for you is an individual decision, but there are certainly benefits of crowns which are made entirely of porcelain.
Disadvantages of Porcelain-Metal Crowns
Metal linings covered with porcelain are common in crown restoration. Unfortunately, the appearance of this type of crown is usually not very natural. Light can’t pass through this type of crown in the way that it does with a natural tooth, comprised of dentin and enamel. The result is a flat look to the crowned tooth. More disconcerting than that, porcelain metal crowns sometimes show a gray or dark area, right by the gumline. This is seen, in particular, with patients who have recession of the gums. The root of the tooth is slightly exposed in that case, and the lack of proper light reflection due to the metal in the crown produces an unsightly dark line.
Natural Looking Alternative: Porcelain Crowns
Crowns made entirely of porcelain are the best choice to provide a natural look to your restored teeth. You will not need to be concerned with any dark lines, and your porcelain crown can be easily color-matched to your other teeth. While crowns with an inner metal lining might be slightly stronger, porcelain crowns are a great choice for most people, and the only choice for those patients who suffer from metal allergies.
Visit your Park Ridge Dentists
To learn more about dental crowns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact our Park Ridge, IL dentist office at847.696.1919. Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas provide cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dental care to patients living in and around Chicago, Park Ridge, and the 60068 zip code.
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