Protect a weak tooth from breaking
Restore a broken tooth
Cover and support a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
Attach bridges or dentures
Provide a natural-looking tooth replacement for dental implants
Dental crowns and veneers help restore your smile's appearance, but they work differently. A veneer is thinner than a crown, so it doesn't require as much tooth reduction as a crown. Think of it as a sturdy wallpaper that covers a dull and damaged wall. It only covers the surface and does not compromise the integrity of your teeth.
A dental crown covers the entire tooth above the root. It provides more structural support than a veneer, making it ideal for teeth that have been weakened by deep pits or fractures. Crowns are more complex than veneers since they require preparation work, such as removing decayed or damaged parts of your teeth and replacing them with new material. They also take longer to set.
Which option is best for you will depend on your teeth' condition and your dental care budget. Dr. Samani will examine your teeth and discuss your goals for treatment before making a recommendation.
In contrast, a 3/4 crown covers three-quarters of the tooth. It is typically used when the tooth is too damaged for a dental filling but not enough for a full-coverage crown.
Placing an onlay is similar to that placing a filling. The tooth is first cleaned and prepared, and then an impression is taken. The onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth using dental cement. The procedure for 3/4 crowns is the same, except it may be necessary first to remove some of the existing tooth structure to create room for the crown.
Metal crowns are often used for teeth that are heavily damaged or have been treated with root canal therapy. They are also commonly used for molars, which bear a lot of chewing force. Metal crowns can be made from different types of metals, including gold, silver, or nickel.
Pros:
Very strong and durable and can last many years
Can be installed in the front or back teeth
Less likely to chip, crack, or stain than other types of crowns
Cheaper than other crowns
Cons:
May cause allergies and sensitivity in some people
Not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown is a dental restoration that combines the aesthetic qualities of porcelain with the strength and durability of metal. It is made by first creating a mold of the tooth, then placing it in an oven at high temperatures to bond the porcelain to the metal base. This creates a durable but natural-looking tooth that will last many years.
Pros:
Durable and long-lasting
Can be used in a variety of situations
More aesthetically pleasing than metal crowns
Cheaper than all-porcelain
Cons:
Some metals may cause allergies
Porcelain can chip or fracture, exposing the metal underneath
Lack of the light-reflecting properties of porcelain or ceramic
Pros:
Match the color of your natural teeth
Do not cause allergies
The most affordable dental crowns
Cons:
Wear out easily
May need to be replaced often
More likely to chip or break
More prone to staining
Pros:
Best aesthetic to match natural teeth
Metal-free and non-toxic
Best choice for front teeth restorations
Cons:
Can cost twice as much as other crowns
More likely to chip or break than metal crowns or PFM
Not ideal for molars
Pros:
Durable because of the strong ceramic core
Dentists can fabricate these in one appointment using CAD-CAM technology
Great for front teeth restorations
Match the color of your teeth
Cons:
Can be expensive
The glaze can wear down, exposing the underlying ceramic and making your teeth look yellow or stained
Can break or chip easier than metals or PFMs
Pros:
Stronger than porcelain and PFM
Looks like natural teeth
Great for back teeth restorations
Biocompatible
Cons:
Cost as much as all-porcelain crowns
Not as translucent as porcelain and may not produce the same aesthetic results on the front teeth
Not as widely available as other types of crowns
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