Considering how many people break a tooth or suffer decay in the molars, dental crowns are a fairly common dental restoration. These tooth-shaped caps are just right for taking a tooth that’s in danger of failing and making it sturdy and dependable again. However, there’s a lot patients don’t know about crowns, even those of us who may have a crown in our mouths!

Do you want to learn more about Grant Park dental crowns? Maybe you have a problem tooth you’d like to protect and improve with a dental crown. Call Smiles 4 Grant Park for an appointment with dentist Abbey Lee.

Porcelain is Not the Only Option for Crowns

“Porcelain crowns” may be the term you hear most when people talk about crowns, but there are several options for fabrication materials. Crowns can be made of metal, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Many children’s crowns are made from stainless steel, especially if they are on baby teeth. Why so many options? Different materials have different benefits. For example, metal bonds to tooth enamel better than porcelain and does not fracture. This makes PFM a good choice for teeth that need extra protection but are visible when you smile.

Crowns Can Be a Great Cosmetic Option

Intrinsic staining can be a real problem for some patients. Most of the stains that darken our teeth are on the surface of the enamel, but internal staining can be caused by fluoride, certain medications, as well as injury to the mouth. If you have intrinsic stains on a tooth that can’t be bleached away with whitening treatments, a crown can be an effective way to cover the tooth. Veneers can also accomplish this, but depending on your needs, a crown may be sufficient.

Crowns Have Been Used for Thousands of Years

There is archeological evidence that the residents of Luzon, an island in the Philippines, used to crown their teeth with gold from as far back as 4000 years ago. This was thought to be a sign of distinction for the wealthy citizens and rulers. When the Spanish colonized the area in the 1500s, they did not approve of the practice, but they later adopted it themselves.

Gold Crowns Aren’t Really Gold

The gold tooth crown is an age-old restoration and you still see it done sometimes today. In truth, a “gold tooth” is usually an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. Some gold crowns are just for tooth adornment, but gold is the most durable material you can choose for a crown, so it’s understandable that people sometimes prefer this material. It bonds well to a tooth and resists corrosion.

Crowns Can Prevent You from Losing a Weakened Tooth

If a tooth has been weakened by a crack, or simply become more brittle and unreliable with age, a crown can preserve it. This can help you save a tooth that might otherwise be headed for failure. By having it crowned, you protect it from further damage and help seal out decay. You still need to clean and floss around the crown; it may not decay, but it can become stained and collect bacteria.

Contact Us to Learn More About Grant Park Dental Crowns

If you have teeth that have sustained a surface fracture or a crack, you may benefit from Grant Park dental crowns. Contact Dr. Abbey Lee to learn more and set up an appointment at Smiles 4 Grant Park. Call us today at 404-328-7177 or make an appointment online.