When you’re looking to restore your smile, you may find out that you need a dental crown. While your dentist will usually pick the crown that best suits your situation, it’s helpful to know what options are available to you and why.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is like a snug hat or cap for your tooth. It reinforces, strengthens, and protects the tooth from further damage caused by bacteria or trauma.

Types of Crowns

Temporary

This type of crown is usually made on-site at your dentist’s office and made of an acrylic base or stainless steel. These serve to temporarily protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made in a lab off-site.

Permanent

These crowns are meant to last for upwards of 10 years. Ideally, the crown would last forever, but as with your natural teeth, crowns can also be damaged over time or shift due to trauma, bacteria, and oral care habits. There are several types of permanent crowns your dentist may wish to discuss with you.

• Metals:

  These are made of alloys with a high percentage of gold, platinum, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium. These metals withstand a high amount of bite force and are resistant to chips and breaks. Since they can be expensive and don’t blend with the surrounding teeth, they’re often used on the molars. They can also be combined with porcelain for a natural look.

• Porcelain/Ceramic:

  Made of dental grade ceramic, this option looks the most like natural teeth. It also can handle a good amount of force, though is more susceptible to chips, breaks, and blemishes than metal crowns.

• Resin:

  These are the most cost-effective but also are the most susceptible to damage, wear, and tear.

Professional Dental Crown Services in San Marcos, CA!

Restoring your smile is a great step toward improving your oral and overall health. Call Mission Hills Family Dental today to schedule your appointment for dental crown services!