What to Know About Dental Crowns in Bellefonte, PA
Crowns are one of the most common techniques we use to restore teeth that are cracked, damaged by tooth decay, and used to protect teeth after root canals, just to name a few examples. Crowns are so common; dentists place an estimated 2.3 million crowns each year in the United States.
A crown is also known as a “cap”. That’s because the crown covers your tooth in order to protect it. If it’s to protect a weak tooth, provide support for a dental bridge, or to help improve your smile, a crown can be a great option to consider.
Different Types of Crowns
Crowns can be made from a few different types of materials, including metal, stainless steel, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, and ceramic.
Metal: Different kinds of metals can be used, including nickel-chromium, gold, or platinum. They are extremely durable, but the color definitely sticks out.
Stainless steel: This is only used for temporary crowns. You may need a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made. This is also the best option for children who are still waiting for their permanent teeth to grow in.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Porcelain is great because we can match these crowns to the color of your teeth. No one ever has to know you have crowns! However, they are not as durable as metal crowns and may need replaced over time.
Resin: Crowns made from resin are definitely the most cost-effective, however, they will wear down over time. You will definitely need to have them replaced.
Ceramic: Crowns made from ceramic are ideal for those who want long-lasting, durable crowns but don’t want the unattractive look of metal. These kinds of crowns are pretty close to the color of natural teeth and are a great option for those who are allergic to metal.
How We Place Crowns
It takes us a few visits to place your crown because we need to follow a few steps:
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Prepare your tooth: We start by preparing the tooth that will receive the crown. This usually involves removing the enamel and any decay.
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Make an impression: We then make an impression so a perfect-fit crown can be made. This may take a few weeks, so we’ll place a temporary crown in the meantime.
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Place the crown: When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll come back to our Bellefonte office and we’ll place your new crown.
How to Care for Crowns
If you care for your crowns, no matter the material, they can definitely last for a long time. If you have any questions, feel free to come in and speak with Dr. Alfred Khallouf, DDS, or any of our other dental care specialists. Be sure you come to see us at Eagle Valley Family Dentistry for your routine teeth cleaning appointments, brush and floss daily, and avoid eating hard or sticky foods, such as hard candies and gum.
Schedule a Consultation Today
There are many things we need to consider in order to determine if crowns are the best solution for you. Schedule a consultation at our Bellefonte, PA office and let our dentists walk you through all the options available. Call Eagle Valley Family Dentistry at (814) 473-5554 or use the form below.