Dental crowns are popular for several reasons. They can address a variety of dental health concerns, and they’ve been a vital part of cosmetic and restorative dentistry for hundreds of years. However, while they may be well-known, many patients don’t realize that there are different types of crowns, each one designed to address each patient’s unique needs. From different materials to different shapes and sizes, your dentist can help you choose the best solution for you among the variety of different dental crowns available today.
Full Dental Crowns
In their earliest forms, dental crowns were fashioned to completely cover teeth that were damaged and needed protection, or to support dental bridges designed to replace lost teeth. Today, complete dental crowns are still utilized to support and protect teeth, and they’re often designed to closely mimic the appearance of healthy teeth for optimal discretion. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, your dentist may recommend a dental crown made from lifelike porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or zirconia.
Partial Crowns (Inlays & Onlays)
When a tooth needs to be restored, but its damage isn’t severe enough to warrant a complete dental crown, your dentist might recommend a more conservative partial crown. Also referred to as an inlay or an onlay (depending on its specific design), a partial crown offers the restorative benefits of a dental crown without having to modify all of your tooth’s structure to accommodate a complete crown. For instance, an inlay can be designed to rest between the cusps of your tooth’s chewing surface, or an onlay can be crafted that extends over one or more cusps and the side of the tooth.
Find the Crown That’s Best for You
The best way to restore your tooth is to do so with a custom or partial crown that’s designed specifically for its needs. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, at (724) 285-4153. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.