Are Dental Crowns Only For Cosmetic Issues?
By Reza Rafie | Published on March 25, 2011 | 0 Comments
Few dental treatments offer the aesthetic appeal and health integrity that dental crowns do. And while patients find them appealing because of the natural feel and appearance that they provide, Reza Rafie DMD, a San Diego, CA cosmetic dentist, explains that crowns are used more for the support that they provide as opposed to their look.
When a tooth is broken down or part of it is removed because of a root canal or fracture, it can cause the internal structure to become compromised, Dr. Rafie says. Instead of leaving the tooth in a poor state or removing it entirely, placing a crown over the tooth is often times the perfect solution. As he explains, a crown is made of porcelain and hugs the tooth from all surfaces to add support so that it won’t break.
However, even with the added protection, a crown does not mean that your tooth can never be compromised again. You should think of a crown exactly like a normal tooth, Dr. Rafie says, and you have to remember that the tooth underneath it can decay. To keep things as simple as possible for patients, the dental staff at Smile Designers asks that patients think of their crowns as natural teeth; anything that would harm your own tooth will break down a crown, and getting a crown doesn’t mean that you don’t have to brush.
While there is really no limit to the number of crowns that an individual can have in the mouth, Dr. Rafie says that the goal is always to make sure that he is saving natural teeth when possible. Therefore, each patient must be evaluated carefully to determine that a crown is definitely the best treatment. Additionally, there are different designs and structures available for crowns that meet specific needs. Your dentist may recommend one type over another for different areas of the mouth. For instance, since there is going to be more biting pressure in the back of the mouth, you will need a crown made of a stronger material.
In addition to crowns, Smile Designers offers patients veneers when applicable. Specifically, Dr. Rafie prefers veneers when it comes to the front teeth. Unlike crowns, which cover all surfaces of a tooth, veneers only cover the front. Veneers are not only cosmetic either, he continues, because when the teeth need to be restored, the prep work for veneers is a lot more conservative than preparing a tooth for a crown.
Ultimately, Dr. Rafie says that choosing between a crown and veneer depends on where in the mouth the damaged tooth is and what its current state entails. After a thorough dental exam, your dentist will be able to conclude which option will be more beneficial. Once all of the decay or damaged part of the tooth has been removed, your dentist must determine if the remaining tooth structure is strong enough to support a veneer, or if a crown is the better fit. Either way, Smile Designers is able to make both crowns and veneers in the office so that patients can leave with the restoration the very same day.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.