Restore your smile with dental crowns.

Your teeth are some of the most amazing structures in your body. Exerting an average biting force of 171 pounds, your teeth are harder than steel and can even withstand a compressive force of over 30,000 pounds (a theory not to be tested by chewing on metal or lifting weights with your teeth).

Though they’re able to withstand an immense amount of force within their normal range, teeth are not invincible to damage from injury or tooth decay. As its most exposed to environmental elements, the visible part of your tooth (known as the crown) is most likely to be affected by the oral bacteria that causes cavities or accidents that cause trauma to the face. Once a natural crown is weakened or damaged beyond repair, a dental crown is the best way to interrupt further damage and restore your smile’s health and function.

If your dentist says you need dental crowns, don’t fret. Instead, book yourself an appointment for timely treatment and check out these 10 amazing facts about crowns to add to your satisfaction of getting the dental care you need.

1. Crowns reinforce damaged teeth.

While healthy teeth can withstand the normal forces of chewing, teeth that have been damaged or weakened may crack or break under the pressure. Or, if severe tooth decay is left untreated, the roots of your teeth may become infected and require more extensive therapies, such as a root canal treatment, in order to prevent tooth loss.

By replacing the part of your tooth that’s been damaged, dental crowns reinforce your smile’s health and strength. Though part of your natural tooth structure will have to be removed to make room, a dental crown is the best way to protect your tooth’s delicate living tissue (known as the pulp).

2. Crowns are made from multiple materials.

Dental crowns are available in porcelain, metal alloys, or a fusion of both. Porcelain crowns are desirable for their lifelike appearance and durability, while metal alloys are often chosen for their long-lasting resistance against the force of chewing in back teeth. For some patients, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may offer the benefits of both. Each type of crown is advised for different tooth locations and functions, which your dentist will help you understand when explaining your options.

3. Crowns preserve your smile’s appearance.

Crowns help you maintain your smile’s fullness and beauty by restoring the appearance of a tooth that’s misshapen, broken, or damaged. And because timely treatment can help you prevent tooth loss, crowns can help you keep your smile looking and feeling full and complete.

4. And they restore optimal function.

As it can cause discomfort or pain, tooth damage or decay may change the way you normally bite and chew, which can eventually lead to jaw issues or uneven wear on remaining teeth. A well-fitted dental crown is meant to safely withstand the normal force of chewing and prevent unnecessary dental problems.

5. Dental crowns are crafted just for you.

Alongside designing a crown that provides you with the best function, crowns are meticulously designed to harmonize with any remaining teeth and your smile’s natural aesthetic. All crowns restore your smile’s fullness, while porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a lifelike appearance.

6. And they can be used with dental implants to replace a tooth.

Though they don’t replace tooth roots, dental crowns are essentially a prosthetic tooth. When combined with a dental implant, which does replace a missing tooth’s root, crowns help create the most realistic tooth replacement option.

7. Dental crowns provide support for bridges.

Dental implants aren’t the only way crowns can help you replace a tooth that’s missing. Bridges consist of a pontic (prosthetic tooth) that’s suspended between two or more crowns. Crowns are anchored on dental implants or remaining teeth, while the pontic “bridges” are created by a tooth that’s missing.

8. Dental crowns are long-lasting.

With good oral health habits (see #9), crowns can last 15 years or longer.

9. And they’re low-maintenance.

Dental crowns require no more than what is ideally needed to maintain natural teeth. Alongside daily brushing and flossing and routine dental visits, you’ll get the greatest longevity out of your dental crown (and natural teeth) by eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use, reducing sugar, and abstaining from chewing on ice, pen caps, or other objects that aren’t food.

10. Dental crowns can save your smile.

Though they’re scarcely bigger than the tip of your thumb or finger, dental crowns can save your smile (and wallet) from otherwise preventable dental issues and provide you with what you need to enjoy a full and healthy smile for a lifetime.

Your smile is amazing and deserves the care it needs to stay that way. For your smile’s immediate and long-term health and beauty, contact our office to schedule an appointment today.