Now, your teeth can last for longer than ever because of revolutionary treatments, like dental crowns. Bonding a custom-made cap over the entire visible surface of a tooth allows damaged or compromised teeth to stay in place instead of needing to be extracted. Although you might be picturing a dark metal restoration, you can now enjoy a natural-looking solution because of the all-ceramic material used to make them. Rest assured, your crown will look and feel natural while lasting for several years to come.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a protective cap that’s bonded over the entire surface of a tooth above the gum line. Although you must permanently reshape the tooth, a crown offers exceptional benefits to restore its health, function, and appearance. Crowns can treat several issues, such as:
- A weakened tooth.
- Dark tooth discoloration.
- Chipped or fractured tooth.
- Along with a root canal.
- Along with a bridge.
- Abnormally shaped tooth.
What is a Crown Made of?
In the past, crowns were only made of metal. Although they have their benefits, they also have their disadvantages. Not only does metal make them highly noticeable, but they can also cause the gum line to darken over time. Not to mention, some people may have a sensitivity to metals.
Over time, improvements were made to crowns to make them less noticeable, like porcelain-fused-to-metal. While this enhanced their aesthetics, it didn’t resolve the disadvantages of using metal. As an alternative, crowns are now made of all-ceramic material. This provides a biocompatible solution that offers unmatched benefits when compared to metal restorations.
What are the Benefits of All-Ceramic Crowns?
All-ceramic crowns resolve the disadvantages of metal restorations, such as:
- Customizable to match the color, size, and shape of your real tooth to blend in seamlessly when you smile.
- Biocompatible to remove any concern about long-term exposure to metal.
- Durable to last for a decade or longer with the right aftercare.
How Long Will My Crown Last?
Although your crown isn’t made of metal, it is still durable. On average, crowns last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced, but it’s not uncommon for them to last for much longer. You can promote how long your crown lasts by:
- Brushing your teeth daily with a nonabrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth and around the crown daily.
- Don’t chew or bite overly hard foods, like ice.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools.
- Don’t chew in inedible objects.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Invest in a Natural-Looking Solution
If you need a dental crown, you can enjoy an option that looks natural. See if an all-ceramic crown is right for you.
About Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry
Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry provides the personalized solutions you need to ensure your smile lasts for a lifetime. We embrace the latest innovations in dentistry, like all-ceramic crowns. We can rebuild your smile using a safe, effective, and natural-looking solution. Contact our office to schedule your consultation for metal-free restorations.