One of the most commonly used dental restoration technique is a dental crown. About 15 million people in the U.S. have crown or bridge replacements.

Are you interested in learning more about dental crowns? Want to understand how the technique can improve your smile? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Keep reading to learn 7 things you need to know about crowns.

Dental crowns 101

You can count on a dentist to be a dental crown expert. However, it never hurts to be informed about dental procedures.

1. What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic device that is attached to a tooth or an implant. Crowns are often called caps and are meant to cover a damaged tooth.

A crown is often used to:

  • Restore the shape and size of a tooth
  • Improve the tooth’s strength and appearance
  • Restore your smile and confidence

When a crown is placed, it is cemented, encasing the problem tooth.

This means that your smile is restored! You can be confident about your teeth again.

2. Why dental crowns are used

Dental crowns can be used for a variety of purposes, to include:

  • To protect a weak tooth. Teeth can decay, break, crack, and chip. A crown can be placed on the tooth to hold it together. A protected tooth means a healthier smile!
  • To restore a broken tooth. Crowns can also be used to restore a tooth that is severely worn down.
  • To improve the smile. By covering a discolored or misshapen tooth, the smile is immediately better!
  • To provide support for a dental bridge. A dental bridge requires two healthy teeth on either side. If the bridge needs further support, a dental crown may be needed.

Looking to improve the appearance or healthiness of your smile? If so, a dental crown may be just what you need!

3. Types of crowns

A permanent crown can be created from a variety of materials, some of the most common being ceramic and gold.

Let’s discuss each of these materials.

Ceramic/Porcelain

These are currently the most commonly made dental crowns and are made out of zirconia. The color of these crowns is close to the color of normal teeth.

Metal

The most commonly used metal used is white or yellow gold.

Metal is a durable material and withstand pressure from constant chewing and biting. Metal crowns are long-lasting as they are highly resistant to chipping or breakage.

The biggest drawback to metal crowns is the color. A metal crown is best for molars that aren’t easily seen.

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4. Cost of dental crowns

A crown at Westfield Family Dental costs $1037.

If you have dental insurance, in many cases, it covers 50%+. We can check with your dental insurance company to determine what is and isn’t covered.

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A dental office you can count on

Are you tired of your teeth controlling your self-confidence? Want a healthier smile? Looking for a patient-focused dental office in Westfield, Wisconsin?

If so, Westfield Family Dental is the office for you! We specialize in a variety of dental services, including cosmetic, restorative and family dentistry.

A happy smile is a healthy smile! Contact us today and let’s help you take charge of your dental health.

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