4 Reasons Dentists Use Dental Crowns

Dental crowns have a variety of uses. From improving the appearance of imperfect teeth to protecting teeth from decay, dentists use these versatile dental prosthetics for many reasons. Here are a few of the most common.

1. Protecting a Badly Decayed Tooth

When a tooth is affected by decay, a dentist usually repairs the damage by drilling out the infected part of the tooth and then applying a dental filling. However, when the decay affects a large part of the tooth, a filling might not be enough to seal it against further damage. In this situation, the dentist needs to remove a larger volume of tooth material and then apply a dental crown to what is left of the tooth. This treatment is often effective at stopping decay from progressing further and can save the tooth from needing to be extracted.

2. Repairing a Broken Tooth

If your tooth has been broken or chipped in a sporting or auto accident, or perhaps simply while eating, then you need to see a dentist right away to get it repaired. Dental crowns are perfect for this situation, as they can replace the parts of the tooth that have chipped off, making the tooth look as good as new once again. Dental crowns in this situation also perform an important function of keeping bacteria out of the broken tooth, therefore preventing it from developing a painful infection.

3. Hiding Dental Stains

The usual treatment for dental staining is tooth whitening. However, some people are not suitable candidates for whitening because they have thin enamel or another dental condition. In this case, a good way to make your smile look brighter and whiter is to have dental crowns fitted over your front teeth. Dental crowns offer great stain resistance, so your smile should stay white for many years to come.

4. Alternative to Braces

If there are small flaws in your smile that have always bothered you, then perhaps you are thinking of getting braces to correct them. On the other hand, the idea of having to wear braces every day might be unappealing to you. The good news is that dentists can conceal small flaws in a smile, such as a gap between the front teeth or incisors that are slightly crooked, using dental crowns. Dental crowns can give the illusion of a perfect smile without having to wait for braces to gradually change the positions of your teeth.

For more information on dental crowns in your area, contact a professional near you.


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