What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps made of porcelain or plastic that fit over a tooth. Unlike fillings, dental crowns can be put on any part of the mouth to cover up and protect other teeth. Dental crowns also offer extra strength for those who need it, like adults with cracked molars or children under three years old. Crowns come in many different colors to suit personal preferences.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having a crown installed. The primary purpose of a crown is to protect existing teeth, the cosmetic benefits are just an added bonus. Fortunately for patients, they are a viable option for both children and adults.

How Are Crowns Installed?

The first step in getting a crown is to have an oral examination and x-rays. These will help the dentist decide which teeth need crowns, whether they should be done at one time or separately, and what type of material would work best for each patient’s needs. The doctor then creates models of your mouth that represent how it’ll look after the dental procedure has been completed.

After examining these models with you, he or she can create temporary placeholders for any missing teeth until their permanent replacements are ready before installation day arrives. This may include inserting posts inserted in the gum that hold placeholders in place until the real crown is installed.

Though it sounds complicated, the actual procedure is not that difficult, and the end results are well worth it. Not only will you restore the look of your smile, but you’ll also protect your other teeth from further damage, meaning less time at the dentist in the future. This is one of the safest and easiest dental options to repair poor dental work and protect teeth at the same time.