According to findings from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 15 million people in the United States have crowns put in place of missing teeth. The experienced dentists at Kenneth Gonzales, DDS, PLLC are highly trained and ready to answer your dental crown questions. Call or schedule an appointment if you think you might need a crown. Kenneth Gonzales, DDS, is conveniently located in Corpus Christi, Texas.
A crown is a piece of metal, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain that covers a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of the original tooth and can improve its appearance and strength. The crown is placed on top of the original tooth, completely covering the area of the tooth that can be seen above the gum line.
A bridge fills the gap between one or more missing teeth. Bridges are made of composite materials that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Bridges can adjust your bite, maintain the shape of your face, restore your ability to pronounce, and help you chew your food.
Dental crowns can be constructed from many materials, including:
The material used for your crown will depend on your situation and the crown's purpose. For instance, stainless steel is typically the go-to material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth.
Metal crowns are sturdy and able to endure the force of chewing and eating, but due to their striking color, they're usually reserved for use on back molars.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are closer in appearance to natural teeth than stainless steel crowns; however, they do have some disadvantages. For instance, the opposing teeth may suffer more wear and tear than they would with other types of crowns. The metal portion of the crown might also be visible as a dark line near the gums.
All-ceramic crowns are the best option for men and women with metal allergies. All-resin crowns are cheaper than many other types of crowns, but more susceptible to wear and tear and therefore, cracking.
Kenneth Gonzales, DDS, offers computer-assisted, single-visit CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology, which most patients prefer because it’s faster — there’s no need for dental impressions or temporary crowns — requires less anesthetic, and can be performed entirely on site. With the advanced CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting rather than the multiple sessions required by traditional treatments.
Would you like to learn more about dental crowns? Think you might need a crown replaced? Call the experienced professionals at Kenneth Gonzales, DDS, or make an appointment online.
