Crowns

University Family Dental Studio in Berrien Springs, Michigan, are experts in restoring teeth after damage or decay. Some restoration procedures can be as simple as a small filling. Some procedures require the entire tooth to be covered. When the tooth needs total resurfacing, our dentists may suggest a dental crown.

A dental crown is a cap that fits over the top of a tooth to replace the entire area of enamel. A crown is used to repair major damage that is above the gum line and is a necessity when receiving a root canal or to affix certain types of dentures, bridges, or implants.

The materials available for making a crown are varied in price and strength. The type of crown chosen for a crown will depend on the area of the mouth that it is needed as well as the patient’s budget.

The most economical crowns would be all-resin, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. All-resin crowns are prone to wear down over time but can be color-matched to the remaining teeth. Most patients prefer to avoid metal crowns due to their silver color but are strong enough to withstand the chewing forces in the back of the mouth where the silver color would be less noticeable. Porcelain fused to metal can be color-matched but is more easily chipped or damaged.

Stainless steel crowns are only used as temporary crowns such as when used to cover baby teeth or when waiting for a porcelain crown to be made.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are longer lasting as well as a good color match although more expensive. The doctors at University Family Dental Studio will help you decide which would be best for your situation.