Are Dental Crowns the Right Choice for You?
If you’re considering dental crowns to improve your smile or address oral health concerns, you’re not alone. Our experienced dentists in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, are here to help you make an informed decision about your dental care. Whether you’re dealing with tooth damage, decay, or cosmetic issues, dental crowns may be the ideal solution for you.
Explore the benefits of dental crowns and why they may be the perfect restorative treatment for your smile. For more information, contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Enhanced Smile Aesthetics
Dental crowns are a go-to option for restoring the natural beauty of your smile. They’re ideal for covering discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth, providing a polished, natural look. Our dentists custom-match your crown to your natural tooth color and shape, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your smile. With porcelain crowns being one of the most popular choices, you can expect a highly aesthetic result that enhances your confidence.
Restoring Tooth Function and Strength
One of the main advantages of dental crowns is their ability to restore the strength and functionality of damaged teeth. Crowns made from durable materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic can reinforce a weakened tooth, enabling it to handle normal chewing and biting forces. This is especially crucial for teeth that have undergone root canal therapy or have large fillings.
Long-Lasting Durability
Modern dental crowns are designed to last for many years with proper care. Materials like zirconia crowns and metal alloys offer high durability, making them excellent for molars where bite pressure is strongest. With regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene, crowns can last 10-15 years or longer, providing a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
Versatility in Treatment
Dental crowns offer a versatile solution for various dental issues. Whether you need to cover a cracked or broken tooth, protect a tooth after root canal treatment, or complete a dental implant restoration, crowns can be customized to meet your specific needs. They also play a crucial role in supporting dental bridges, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
Protecting and Preserving Oral Health
Crowns can help prevent further tooth damage or decay. By covering and protecting weakened teeth, crowns reduce the risk of additional decay or fractures. They’re often recommended for patients with significant enamel wear, ensuring long-term preservation of your natural teeth.
Preventing Teeth Shifting
If you have a missing tooth, your surrounding teeth may begin to shift out of place. A dental crown combined with a dental implant or bridge can prevent this, maintaining the proper alignment of your bite and overall oral health.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
Potential Sensitivity
After a dental crown is placed, some patients experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This is common and usually subsides within a few weeks as your tooth adjusts to the new crown. Our dentists, Dr. Paul Brown and Dr. Chris Baran can recommend toothpaste designed for sensitivity to help alleviate discomfort during this period.
Risk of Decay at the Crown’s Margin
Although dental crowns protect the tooth, there’s still a small risk of tooth decay at the edge of the crown where it meets the natural tooth. To reduce this risk, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental check-ups.
Removal of Natural Tooth Structure
In preparation for a dental crown, a portion of your natural tooth must be reshaped or filed down. This is a permanent procedure, meaning the tooth will always require a crown for protection and function moving forward. However, this is necessary to ensure a proper fit and longevity of the crown.
When Might You Consider an Alternative to Dental Crowns?
While dental crowns offer a host of benefits, they may not be the right solution for every situation. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Dental Veneers: Ideal for cosmetic cases involving front teeth with minor imperfections.
- Inlays and Onlays: These options preserve more of the natural tooth and are suitable for moderate decay or damage.
- Dental Bonding: A more affordable and less invasive option for minor tooth damage or gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
While a properly placed crown should fit snugly, there’s a chance that food particles can get trapped between the crown and adjacent teeth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help minimize the risk of trapped food and ensure the longevity of your crown.
Some teeth may not be candidates for crowns, especially if they have insufficient tooth structure or are affected by severe gum disease. If the tooth is too damaged or mobile, other restorative options may be necessary.
Yes, dental crowns are typically stronger than fillings, as they encase the entire tooth and offer more protection. Crowns are generally recommended for teeth that are heavily damaged or have undergone root canal therapy.
Make an Informed Decision About Your Oral Health
Dental crowns offer a reliable, long-lasting solution for restoring both the function and appearance of your teeth. If you’re in Wilmington, Seaford, or the surrounding Delaware areas, our dentists can help you determine if a dental crown is the best option for you.
Contact us today at (302) 999-7600 for our Wilmington office or (302) 536-7589 for our Seaford office to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Delaware and the surrounding regions.
