A smile is the best accessory you can wear. It makes you look younger, friendlier, and more approachable; it can even turn your mood around and give you a more positive disposition! Caring for your teeth is essential to maintain a healthy, youthful smile. One way to become more confident in your smile is with the help of dental crowns.
This article delves into the benefits of dental crowns and considerations before getting them.
Benefits of Getting Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps molded to your teeth. They can strengthen damaged or decayed teeth or make misshapen ones look symmetrical. Depending on your preference and budget, you can get them in different materials, such as metal, resin, and porcelain.
Aside from its general use, dental crowns also have the following benefits:
1. Offers Long-Term Solutions to Tooth Problems
Dental crowns are not permanent but can last with proper care. Crowns usually last five to 30 years, depending on how well you maintain them and what material you opt for. Porcelain and lithium disilicate crowns can last five to 15 years, while gold crowns can last up to 40 years.
There are some best practices to lengthen the lifespan of your dental crowns. These include avoiding ice and sticky or hard foods, brushing, and flossing your teeth regularly, and getting a dental cleaning every six months.
2. Ensures a Painless Procedure
The process of getting dental crowns takes a few weeks. In the first appointment, the dentist takes your impressions, ensuring your crowns fit perfectly. The dentist also preps your teeth for the crowns, which includes removing some of your natural enamel. Though this part sounds painful, you will receive anesthesia beforehand, so all you’ll feel is some mild tingling or sensitivity. The dentist will also give you temporary crowns made of an acrylic-based material. The second appointment will be less daunting since the dentist only has to replace your temporary crowns with permanent ones.
3. Addresses Damaged or Decaying Teeth
Eating a lot of sweet snacks without brushing your teeth can lead to cavities, leading to tooth decay. Fortunately, dental crowns repair damaged or decayed teeth or reinforce weaknesses. Your dentist will use a dental drill to remove the damaged parts of your teeth as part of the prep for your crowns.
4. Includes Cosmetic Modifications
Dental crowns are not just for those who need them medically; they are performed for cosmetic enhancements. Those who don’t feel confident in their smiles because of a cracked tooth, a gap, or discolored teeth can opt for crowns. In addition, if you’ve had a couple of root canals, dental crowns are a good way to fill in those gaps in your gums. Not only will these help you chew better, but they also prevent your teeth from moving further apart.
5. Offers Different Kinds To Choose From
You can choose from different types of dental crowns. When suggesting a type, your dentist will consider your budget, the location of your tooth that needs repair, and how much natural enamel remains.
Lithium disilicate, a glass ceramic, is the most prescribed type. However, if you want longevity, a metal crown can last decades. A zirconia crown will last you slightly longer than a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, though the latter is more natural-looking.
6. Requires Minimal Dental Aftercare
Caring for your dental crowns is like caring for your natural teeth. Your oral care routine should include brushing your teeth two to three times daily, flossing regularly, and using antibacterial mouthwash. You should also avoid cavity-inducing foods (such as sweets) and wear a mouthguard if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. You should also see your dentist if you notice a loose crown, bad breath, sharp edges poking your tongue, and cracks in your crown.
Become More Confident in Your Smile With Dental Crowns From Legacy Dental of PA
Taking care of your teeth is essential to feeling confident in your smile. At Legacy Dental of PA, our goal is to provide you with top-notch dental care! Our services include dental crowns, oral appliances, cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
For more information, check out our website. You can also contact us today to schedule your appointment!
