Sometimes hearing that you need a dental crown can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. A dental crown, also known as a cap, is placed over the tooth to help restore its size, shape, strength, and improve its overall appearance. There are many different types of dental crowns and many different reasons to why you might need them.

Dental crowns are very common because they help fix a range of different problems that can occur regularly. Some of the most common reasons for getting a dental crown are chipped or misshapen teeth, cracked teeth, decaying or damaged teeth, cavities that are too big for a filling, or they can be used to cover a dental implant.

When it comes to dental crowns, there are many different types that you can get depending on your preference. For children, stainless steel crown are the most cost effective and are great for the “wear and tear” as well as not requiring multiple follow up dentist visits which can be hard, especially for children.

Another crown that can be used are mental crowns such as gold or platinum as well as base-metal alloys such as cobalt chromium and nickel chromium. Metal dental crowns rarely chip or break and are able to withstand biting and chewing and are considered the longest lasting dental crown. The only disadvantage of metal crowns is the metal color which can stand out.  These dental crowns are best for molars and see that are usually out of sight

A more natural dental crown would be a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown which is color matched to the rest of the teeth in your mouth so your smile looks natural and your teeth are less susceptible to chipping or breaking.

The last dental crown are the caps that are all ceramic are all porcelain. These are the most natural dental crowns than any other crown available. These crowns are also a great choice for those who deal with certain metal allergies that could limit their choices with metal dental crowns. There is no “best” dental crown. Choosing the crown that it suitable for you depends on where the crown is going, and on your personal preferences with colors and look.

Taking care of your crowns doesn’t take a lot of work require a little extra time after brushing your teeth. Make sure that your gums are cleaning not only regularly but thoroughly. When you floss between your crown(s), make sure not to pull or lift the floss out with force, this could potentially loosen or damage your dental crown.

Before getting a dental crown put on, you will have a consultation with your dentist.  Sometimes this can consist of talking impressions or molds of your existing tooth (or teeth) where you wish to put the new dental crown. Your dentist will also go over how to prepare for the appointment as well as what to expect during the process of receiving a dental crown.

If your dentist recommends that you receive a dental crown or cap, it is because like you, your dentist is helping to keep your mouth and gums healthy and beautiful.