Tooth Angels & Co. Dental Surgeons

As we get older, many of us discover that our teeth that are no longer as structurally sound as they were in our youth. Your regular dentist will usually be able to recognize problem areas, which may lead to tooth damage, and a need for crowns.

Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings and tooth decay are all contributing factors in the erosion, cracking or breakage of your teeth. If the entire surface of the tooth is damaged, but the root system has remained intact, your dentist will usually suggest that a crown be put in place.

Crowns are also capable of replacing missing teeth entirely. The crown is secured to the teeth on either side using a bridge section, which connects the two crowns. Alternatively, single tooth dental implants can be placed. This eliminates the need for supporting the crowns so no bridge is required.

Your dentist may recommend the placement of a dental crown for a wide range of problems but, in general, the majority of these reasons usually fall within one of the following basic categories:

At present there are three types of crowns in use, those made of gold, ceramic and ceramic-veneered gold. Depending on your habits and the condition of your gums, each type has its advantages and its disadvantages. Your dentist will advise you on which is the most suitable crown for you.

Full Porcelain Crowns

The new reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain type of crown has the most natural appearance as the color is specifically chosen to match the color of your teeth. They can be made from pure ceramic or a new reinforced composite resin, and as they are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth they are used primarily for front teeth. Unsurprisingly, more and more patients are also requesting them for other areas of the mouth. They are bonded using resin cements, is metal-free, and of great benefit to patients with metal sensitivities.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are often the preferred choice when the patient is not overly concerned about their appearance. Gold is extremely pliable making gold crowns a better fit than any other type. The strength and durability of the gold offers a more solid crown that will not chip or crack, which is possible with other types of crown. Gold crowns are normally used in molars, where the forces from chewing and grinding are most prevalent.

Porcelain veneered metal crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crowns offer a natural appearance with a better fit than a standard porcelain crown. On the downside they have a metal substructure making it difficult to replicate the translucency of natural teeth. It is possible that a darker line will appear at the edge of the crown, near the gum, as it recedes with age.