The Complete Guide to Dental Crowns: Benefits, Types, and What to Expect

At Smith Dental Care, we take great care to offer a variety of services to meet our patients’ needs. Dental crowns are one of the most effective and reliable solutions available to help restore the health and appearance of your teeth when you face issues such as tooth decay, fractures, or other cosmetic challenges. 

Dental crowns will help to improve and maintain long-term oral health and aesthetics. There is a lot to know about this common procedure. Join us as we share information about what exactly crowns are, what you can expect, pros and cons, and more to learn everything you need to know. 

Contact us today for high-quality dental crown solutions from skilled and experienced providers to help you protect and rejuvenate your smile! 

The Importance of Dental Crowns in Oral Health

Dental crowns are not just something to make your smile better. While they certainly can contribute to an improved smile, they also help to maintain and enhance your overall oral health when needed. Dental crowns address several key aspects of dental care, and understanding their significance is important to making an informed decision. 

Benefits of Crowns for Long-Term Dental Health

Dental crowns will contribute to your long-term health goals and needs. These crowns provide protection and reinforcement to a tooth, or teeth, that might otherwise be weak or deteriorating. Teeth that are severely damaged by decay, trauma, or even wear are far more vulnerable to additional deterioration. Once a tooth begins to deteriorate, it is typically downhill from there. 

Crowns work to provide a protective barrier for the vulnerable tooth. It’s an encasement that wraps around the tooth in question, protecting it from any further harm. This encasement will shield the tooth, preventing any additional damage from happening. It can help to prevent fracturing or breaking, among other things. 

You will find that crowns can significantly extend the lifespan of a tooth, reducing the need to remove that tooth. Covering and reinforcing the tooth structure helps to maintain integrity and functionality of the tooth that is already there, helping prevent more invasive procedures from being required. 

When a crown is made with high-quality materials, it will be long-lasting and hold up just fine for everyday use and needs. 

Restoring Functionality and Aesthetics

Crowns are used to protect the tooth that may need some extra care, but they also look nice. A damaged or compromised tooth could make someone feel self-conscious about their teeth or less likely to smile. But everyone should smile as much as possible, and a crown on the damaged tooth just might improve that. 

Crowns restore functionality so that a damaged tooth doesn’t deter you from chewing and using that tooth. It provides additional strength and reinforcement so you can use it like you normally would. The crown will also improve the appearance of your smile, covering up teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or uneven. It covers up those imperfections, helping to create a natural-looking and visually appealing smile. 

In addition to these elements, a crown might help maintain proper bite alignment. By replacing missing or damaged teeth, the adjacent teeth are less likely to shift into the gaps, helping prevent misalignment and other similar dental problems. 

Understanding Dental Crowns

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Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps or coverings that are placed over a damaged tooth to restore the natural elements of the tooth. This includes the following restorative details: 

• Size
• Shape
• Strength
• Appearance
• Use

Crowns are always custom-made to your own teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. When properly cared for, a crown will last for many years before needing to be replaced or requiring an alternative method. There are different materials and types of crowns, which could affect the appearance, durability, or functionality. 

There are certain advantages and disadvantages to each of the different types of crowns. These are the most common materials that are used for dental crowns: 

• Porcelain
• Metal
• Porcelain Fused to Metal
• Resin

Learn more about each of these below. 

Porcelain 

Porcelain crowns are well-known because they have a very natural appearance. The crown is made with a high-quality ceramic material that will even have the translucent appearance that natural teeth have in color. It’s an excellent choice for front teeth or highly visible teeth for this reason. 

The primary advantage of porcelain crowns is their very clear aesthetic appeal. They blend seamlessly with your other teeth. If you’re looking for the right aesthetic, this is your best solution. On the downside, the porcelain material is not as durable as some of the alternative materials available. They may be more likely to chip or wear down over time, especially with heavy pressure. 

Metal

Metal crowns are a common choice because they tend to be the most affordable. If you have a tooth that is not highly visible, this is a go-to solution. Metal crowns can be made from various metals, including gold, palladium, and other metal alloys. They are incredibly durable, which is another reason they are a great choice. 

The metal crown has exceptional strength and is highly resistant to wear. They are used most commonly for molars and other back teeth, as these teeth are not highly visible and usually have the hardest work in significant chewing requirements. 

The primary advantage of a metal crown is the longevity, affordability, and the strength of the materials that are used. The downside is that these crowns will generally be the same color as the metal that is used for them, meaning they aren’t going to blend with your natural tooth color. They are practical, reliable, and affordable. This makes metal a good option for teeth that don’t affect your smile aesthetics as much. 

Porcelain Fused to Metal 

Porcelain fused to metal, also called PFM, crowns combine the hearty benefits of metal with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain. The exterior of the crown is porcelain, providing that appealing white and translucent look that people typically prefer. 

Underneath the porcelain layer is a metal base that gives the patient all of the durability they could possibly desire. The porcelain is fused over the metal base, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. This has quickly become one of the most common choices for that exact reason. 

Thanks to the metal base, you can experience strength and resilience. And thanks to the porcelain coating over the metal, you also get to rest assured that the crown blends in naturally with your other teeth. PFM can be used for front or back teeth thanks to these details. The advantage is experiencing the benefits of both porcelain and metal in one. 

The downside is that the porcelain overlay or fusing doesn’t always cover every last millimeter of metal. Some PFM crowns still show a dark or metal line right at the gum line. 

Resin

Resin crowns are made using composite materials. The composites can vary, but they are typically chosen for the ability to fabricate the tooth as desired and the affordability of materials. If you’re looking for an economical solution to get you by for a while, this can be a good choice. It should be known that resin crowns are considered to be temporary in most cases and not a long-lasting option like the other materials. 

Resin crowns can be made quickly and affordably. They do have a natural appearance, but they won’t have the same durability as porcelain crowns. Resin tends to be more apt to staining and will not be able to handle long-term pressure or chewing needs. However, they do make a great temporary solution while you plan for the next type of crown to be more permanent for your needs. 

Indicators for Dental Crowns

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There are several common reasons why a dental crown may be necessary. Here are the most common reasons:

• Restore damaged teeth 
• Post-root canal treatment
• Cosmetic improvement
• Supporting dental bridges
• Protecting weakened teeth

Let’s explore each of these further below. 

Restore Damaged Teeth 

Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that are damaged, whether that damage is from decay or trauma. In some cases, they are even used for severe cavities that need to be addressed. When a tooth has extensive decay or a fracture, the remaining tooth structure is not always enough to support a filling or other basic restorative options. 

A crown will provide a protective covering over the damaged tooth, effectively shielding it from any further damage or decay. It’s a restorative measure that will provide a repair for the tooth while also preserving its functionality and strength in the process. Crowns allow you to continue eating normally and speaking normally without the typical side effects or discomfort of a damaged tooth. 

Post-Root Canal Treatment 

Following a root canal, the tooth that underwent the procedure is typically very weak. It may also be more susceptible to additional damage. During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed, which leaves the remaining tooth hollow. Adding a crown will protect the remains of the tooth, but it will also restore the tooth’s functionality. It is very common to place a crown over the treated tooth. 

The crown will provide a robust shield to the tooth, reinforcing the weakened structure and preventing further problems like cracking or breaking. You can chew normally and use that tooth as though nothing ever happened with the reinforcement of the crown. 

Cosmetic Improvement 

Cosmetic improvements can apply to a wide variety of needs. Whether you’re concerned about teeth discoloration or you have irregularities or other damage to your visible teeth, crowns can provide ideal solutions. A dental crown can be placed to enhance the appearance of teeth that have cosmetic defects. Things like discoloration, misshapen, or uneven teeth can be corrected with crowns. 

Supporting Dental Bridges 

Dental bridges create replacements for multiple teeth and provide a bridge between teeth. Crowns can play a major part in supporting dental bridges to provide anchorage for the bridges replacing missing teeth. The crown will act as an anchor for the bridge, helping ensure it is attached to a stable structure so it can last much longer. 

This approach is all about stability for that bridge. Even if the tooth near the bridge is not damaged, heaving that extra stability of an anchor can provide substantial support for the bridge. 

Protecting Weakened Teeth

Finally, crowns can be used to provide support to weakened teeth. When a tooth has had a large filling or experienced excessive wear and tear from something like teeth grinding, it becomes weak. A crown is used as a protective barrier of reinforcement in these cases. It helps to prevent any further damage, providing additional strength to the weakened tooth. 

Teeth can be weakened for many reasons. Things like wear, cracks, fillings, and more will weaken a tooth. That weakness makes the tooth more susceptible to breaking or fracturing, but a crown can help protect it against these issues and other severe dental problems. 

Dental Crown Procedures

There is a certain process to receiving a dental crown. It will be important to closely work with your provider to ensure you get the best results. Most of the time, placing a crown requires two separate visits because of the steps involved. 

Here’s how the process typically works. 

1. Consultation and Exam: during an initial consultation, the dentist can perform a full exam to determine whether a crown is the best option and discuss your options with you. X-rays and some sort of impression will be taken in preparation for the crown placement. 
2. Tooth Preparation: the tooth receiving a crown will need to be prepared to make sure there is room for crown placement. The dentist may need to remove a portion of the tooth for a proper fit. Typically, the dentist relies on impressions to help custom-make the crown. 
3. Temporary Crown Placement: while waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown might be placed to help protect the tooth in the meantime. This temporary crown will be removed when the permanent one is placed. 
4. Fitting and Placing Permanent Crown: when the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will double check the fit and color to be sure it works as planned. Then, the dentist will place it as a permanent fixture. 
5. Final Adjustments and Patient Instruction: the dentist will closely inspect the crown and make any necessary adjustments for it to fit and function properly and comfortably. They will also provide you with any necessary instructions for caring for the crown. 

Every step of the process is important to ensure that the crown will fit properly and function properly. A provider who has experience working with crowns will advise you of the process every step of the way. 

If a provider determines that a crown may be necessary during a general cleaning or another procedure, the consultation typically takes place at that time rather than in a separate appointment. 

Benefits of Dental Crowns

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Dental crowns can provide a wide variety of benefits to patients who are considering them. These benefits support appearance and aesthetic goals, but they can also significantly support your oral health in multiple ways. 

These are the primary benefits:

• Durability and Longevity: crowns are designed to last so they can provide a long-term solution for your oral health needs. They are strong and reliable, offering protection for many years without needing replacement or repair. 
• Improved Aesthetics: crowns are going to improve or enhance the look of your teeth. They cover up imperfections and can be color matched to your teeth to ensure you have a perfect and pleasing smile. 
• Restored Functionality: crowns will allow you to continue to use your teeth as they are intended to be used. They take an otherwise weak tooth and reinforce it to restore the full function of your teeth. With crowns, you can speak, chew, and smile as normal. 
• Enhanced Oral Health: crowns will protect the tooth in question, which will help prevent further issues related to that tooth. They are typically used to support or protect weakened teeth, which can help reduce the likelihood of far worse problems. 

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications you should be aware of. Knowing and understanding these can help you make a fully informed decision. We recommend speaking to your provider about any concerns and questions you may have as well. 

Dental crowns are considered generally safe, but let’s take a look at the potential risks. 

• Sensitivity or Discomfort: sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is normal after receiving a crown. In most cases, this will subside naturally as your mouth becomes accustomed to the foreign crown object. This sensitivity is usually to hot or cold temperatures, but may include soreness from the procedure. 
• Crown Loosening or Falling Off: over time, it is possible for a crown to become loose or even fall off. This typically happens because the cement setting the crown wears away or breaks down. This is usually rare, but if it does happen, you should reach out to your dentist right away. 
• Allergic Reactions: allergic reactions are not common and can usually be avoided if known allergies are disclosed. However, there are times a patient may experience a reaction to the metal that is used in certain crowns. If you do experience or suspect a reaction, contact your dentist immediately.
• Gum Irritation or Recession: if for some reason the crown does not quite fit right, this may cause some irritation to your gums. It can also lead to gum recession because of the pressure it causes. This can lead to discomfort or potential infection, so be sure to contact your dentist if you are experiencing irritation. 

Care and Maintenance of Dental Crowns

Proper care for your dental crown is very important. If it is not properly cared for, it may lead to irritation, reactions, or even failure of the crown. The good news is that proper care is fairly simple. These things will make a difference. 

• Brush and floss daily, following recommended daily oral hygiene and care
• Have regular dental check-ups as recommended, which is usually every six months
• Avoid habits that can lead to damage, such as chomping ice or hard candy, using your teeth as a tool, or other actions that are not recommended
• Address issues early - if you experience discomfort or notice anything that doesn’t seem right, contact the dentist right away

Being aware and proactive will be an important part of proper maintenance. Follow your provider’s instructions and don’t ignore it if you suspect an issue. 

Cost and Insurance Considerations

It is important to know that a crown can cost money out of pocket. On average, crowns can cost anywhere from $1000-$2,500. The total cost might depend on the tooth for placement, as well as the selected crown materials. Your provider will be able to give you a more accurate estimate for your crown needs. 

If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover a portion of this expense, but insurance varies significantly. Your provider can check with your insurance to see what they cover. They may offer payment plans or financing options if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs upfront. 

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns can be a powerful tool for many dentistry needs. They help to restore functionality and appearance for many causes. At Smith Dental Care, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care for every patient and can help with your dental crown needs. We specialized in comprehensive dental care, offering customized solutions for your oral health. 

Contact us today to discuss your oral health needs and schedule an appointment!