Discover your best option for teeth crowns from among many types available near Lapeer MI

There are two different ways of looking at the types of dental crowns available to you: the materials used, and the purpose of each specific restoration. Regardless of these differences, all crowns are generally designed to accomplish the same basic thing, and that is to restore the appearance and function of a tooth.

Materials

The most common materials used for permanent crowns include:
  • Ceramic or porcelain
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Metals, such as gold alloys or base-metal alloys (i.e. nickel, chromium)
The material used to make a crown depends on the patients' desires and the location and function of the tooth being restored. For example, all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns may look best for teeth in the "Smile Zone," but they are more fragile than gold or other metals. Gold or stronger materials, however, may not be preferred for a front or noticeable tooth from an aesthetic standpoint. Noticeable gold or metal alloys may be the materials of choice for out-of-sight back teeth due to their strength.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal is generally considered a good balance of tooth-like appearance and durability. The one drawback frequently associated with PFM is a dark line may be seen close to the gum-line at the bottom of the tooth. This discoloration is the metal showing through the porcelain. For this reason, you may opt for an all-porcelain crown.

Other considerations Metropolitan Dental Center can discuss with you include costs, how various materials affect opposing teeth and allergies to metals.

Function

Crowns are very versatile. In this vein, restorations may be differentiated by the specific condition they correct and the specific purpose served. This purpose further also influences how the crown is designed and ultimately applied.

Crowns may be used to:
  • Protect a prepared tooth temporarily while the restoration is being made in a lab
  • Protect a weak or broken tooth
  • Restore a severely decayed tooth following a root canal procedure
  • Support a dental bridge
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover misshapen or discolored teeth
Call to schedule an appointment. Our team with Metropolitan Dental Center will discuss the types of teeth crowns available near Lapeer, MI at greater length with you. Our office is located in Waterford.

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