CAPPING TEETH FOR COMPLETE RESTORATION
Dental crowns are among the oldest forms of dental restoration. Designed to mimic the entire top portion (crown) of a tooth, a dental crown completely covers, or caps, a tooth affected by decay or injury. The goal when placing this restoration is to keep your tooth safe from further harm, and to make sure you can once again use it to bite and chew comfortably. We can create a full crown that completely caps your tooth, or a partial crown that restores only the damaged part of it. Because the partial crown occupies less space, more of your healthy tooth structure can be preserved during treatment!
DESIGNING THE RIGHT DENTAL CROWN
A traditional dental crown, or full dental crown, is one that is designed to completely cover your tooth. The full restoration is often recommended for cases where much or most of a tooth’s structure has been compromised. For example, a cracked tooth could call for coverage with a full crown.
A partial crown is designed to protect and restore a tooth, while still preserving as much of its healthy, natural structure as possible. Partial crowns, also known as inlays and onlays, offer more precise coverage, and will not require preparatory work on your tooth’s entire crown.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
A partial or full dental crown is designed according to your specific needs. While planning your restorative dental treatment, we can choose from a variety of materials to ensure optimal cosmetic and functional results. For example, crowns can be crafted from:
- Dental porcelain – Porcelain is one of the most cosmetically pleasing dental materials, and can be customized to match virtually every aspect of your tooth’s healthy, natural appearance. Because of this, porcelain dental crowns are often recommended for restoring teeth that are more visible in your smile.
- Metal – Metal crowns are used less often today, as patients tend to prefer the more attractive appearance of porcelain crowns. With that said, there are circumstances where they can be recommended for a person’s treatment. This material’s greater durability can make metal crowns preferable during the restoration of molars and premolars, as these teeth are placed under significant pressure. Because these teeth are difficult to see, the esthetic effect of the metal material can have little effect on your appearance.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal – To combine the durability of metal and the visual appeal of porcelain, we can design a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crown. The metal base of the crown provides you with a remarkably strong restoration, while the outer porcelain finish helps ensure highly lifelike results.
FIND THE CROWN THAT FITS YOU BEST
By designing a partial or full dental crown, we can ensure that your tooth restoration protects your tooth, and also preserves your appearance and bite function. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO, at 816-942-7669. We proudly serve patients and families who live in South Kansas City, Leawood, Overland Park, Johnson County, and all nearby communities.