Do you have a few teeth that could do with some work? Are a few of your teeth worn down, cracked or chipped? It may be time to speak to your dentist about a few dental crowns.
These days, dental crowns are among the most common treatments used by dentists to restore everything from misaligned teeth to those that are weak and on the verge of breaking. What exactly are dental crowns? How long do they last and what makes them the best option for you? Keep reading as we answer these questions.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Typically, dental crowns refer to tooth-shaped protective covers that are boned to completely replace the visible part of a tooth. Also referred to as caps, dental crowns are designed to look and feel as close to normal teeth as possible. Crowns are usually required to cover any one of the following reasons:
- Worn teeth
- Large cracks in teeth
- Root-canaled teeth
- Fractured and broken teeth
- Large fillings in teeth
Usually, the first course of action is a filling. When this is no longer a viable option to save the underlying tooth from cracking or splitting, the next option is a crown. This ensures that the original tooth can still maintain its structure and functionality. With proper care, crowns can last between five and 15 years.
The Solution You’ve Been Searching For
If you’ve been doing research on the best solution for your current dental problems, or your dentist has suggested crowns as an option to consider, you may be wondering why this would be the best option for your mouth. Our dental experts have compiled a list of the reasons why dental crowns are a good idea.
1. Offers Protection for Damaged or Weak Teeth
Teeth are made of enamel, and this means that you can only treat them and care for them as they are. There’s nothing your dentist can apply to them to make them grow back and most types of tooth damage can’t be reversed or healed on its own.
If you have a cracked or weakened tooth, it will no longer be strong enough for the rigors of daily activities such as biting and chewing. Beyond removing the tooth and completely replacing it, the next best option may be a crown. Even the most badly cracked tooth can be protected and held together by a custom-designed dental crown.
2. Properly Done Crowns Look Amazing
Most crowns are made of porcelain or composite resin which can be moulded to cover any imperfections on your own teeth. This means that a set of crowns can significantly improve how your mouth looks.
Since crowns can be made to look like the other teeth in your mouth, they will easily look as natural as possible. You can also have your other teeth whitened so that all your teeth are the same shade of white. It’s the perfect solution if you have more than one tooth that has cracked or weakened over time.
3. Don’t Slip Like Dentures
People who have more than a couple of problem teeth may opt for a bunch of crowns rather than opt for traditional dentures. One of the main reasons for this is that dentures often slip out of place, causing discomfort to gums. Fortunately, this can’t happen with crowns as they are attached to the original teeth.
4. Improved Enunciation and Diction
Have you noticed that people who don’t have teeth struggle to be heard and understood? This is because many people don’t realise how much their teeth affect diction and enunciation. By opting for crowns, you’ll be less likely to struggle with being understood and it’ll be easier to pronounce words clearly.
5. Pain Relief
If you’ve ever had to deal with cracked teeth or a gaping hole where your filling used to be will know that this can lead to a considerable amount of pain when you’re eating or even breathing in cold air. Opting for a dental crown is a beneficial way to solve this problem and reduce or remove your dental pain.
Indeed, dental crowns can’t solve all types of toothache. But the good news is that the ones that don’t stem from inflammation or nerve issues can usually be fixed with a crown.
6. Can Give You a Confidence Boost
Some tooth issues can remain neatly hidden if they’re in the back of your mouth. However, if you’re having an issue with your font teeth, it can drastically affect your confidence levels.
Especially if it feels like the damaged or worn tooth is the first thing people see every time you open your mouth. This can even hamper how often you feel comfortable smiling.
Having a few crowns done may instantly improve your smile and at the same time give you a much-needed confidence boost. You’ll no longer have to force yourself to smile with your lips closed. You’ll also be able to have a good laugh with everyone else without feeling overly self-conscious.
Final Thoughts
Investing in one or a few much-needed crowns may be the best way to deal with your damaged or weakened teeth. It’s a simple, but effective way to retain the functionality of your original teeth and it will have you smiling in no time!
