When it comes to your smile, you’ll want to be sure that it is always looking its best. A winning smile can mean the difference between a great first impression and a poor one. If you have concerns about the look of your teeth, or perhaps you have a damaged tooth or two, you may want to consider having some dental crowns fitted. A dental crown is an elegant and practical solution to an annoying and sometimes unattractive problem.

What are Dental Crowns?

Simply put, dental crowns are either partial or full replacements for one or more of your teeth. They can be used to take the place of a damaged or discolored tooth, or repair a tooth that has been chipped or broken in any way.

Dental crowns can be fitted by any dentist, and are usually made from porcelain. You can also have a gold crown fitted should the mood take you. Dental crowns are an indirect method of tooth restoration, meaning that the dental crown can be crafted without the patient present, and then fitted at a later date. The benefit here is that the patient does not have to sit through a lengthy spell in the dentist’s chair – which we all know can be a harrowing experience! A dentist will either use a dental bridge to attach the new crown to adjacent teeth, or will ‘whittle down’ the tooth which is being crowned into a peg shape then ‘clip’ the new crown on and bond it with long-lasting cement.

Dental crowns can be fitted for either medical or cosmetic reasons. If a tooth has become damaged, a crown can effectively restore it to its former glory without anybody noticing the difference. Some people choose to have all of their teeth crowned as a way to gain that great smile they’ve always wanted; however this course of action is often very expensive.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a great way to replace a broken or damaged tooth. Let’s say you’ve had an unfortunate accident which has left you with a chipped front tooth – it’s not going to do wonders for your confidence and could cause health problems further down the line. Having a dental crown fitted to this tooth is a great way to replace what has been lost, and regain the confidence that comes from having a full healthy smile. Whether your problem is medical or simply aesthetic, having a dental crown fitted can work absolute wonders when it comes to your self confidence and general enjoyment of life. As we all know, if you look great, you feel great!

What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

As we’ve already seen, dental crowns can restore self confidence and your smile, but there are also numerous medical benefits that can be gained from dental crowns. For example, if one of your teeth has been subject to decay or damage, it may be a breeding ground for nasty oral bacteria which can lead to some terrible diseases and oral hygiene problems. Having your tooth restored via a dental crown can alleviate this problem. Aside from having a full dental cleaning, a dental crown in the right place is a fantastic way to ensure that none of your teeth are causing you to be vulnerable to any unpleasant oral issues.

Are There Any Risks Involved in Dental Crowns?

The answer to this one is yes and no. It all depends on the person, and the dentist carrying out the procedure. For example, a dentist may fit a dental crown to a tooth that has already become too decayed or diseased, which may leave that tooth vulnerable to the disease spreading without the patient even knowing it. These cases are rare, though, so as long as you choose a trustworthy dentist you should be just fine. Other than the standard risks involved with any visit to the dentist, problems relating to dental crowns are very uncommon.

Dental Crowns: Are They Worth It?

The bottom line here has to be that for those who are in need – either medically or cosmetically – of a way to improve the look of a damaged, discolored or generally unattractive tooth, dental crowns are a great idea. Providing your reasoning meets the criteria, you may also be able to have the dental crowns paid for via your dental plan.

If you are paying for a full set of dental crowns yourself, you may find yourself a little out of pocket; but if they boost your quality of life, they’re worth it – and you can’t really put a price on that.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

Rob Taylor is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dental care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Dental Crowns

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dental-crowns-1154242.html

Dental crowns are designed to completely cover the visible portion of the damaged tooth and closely match the surrounding natural teeth in shape, size and color. Experienced cosmetic dentists strive to provide the most efficient and cosmetically pleasing dental crown design and placement to meet the needs of each individual patient.

Reasons for Placing Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are placed to restore specific problems with a patient’s teeth that often involve the shape, size, strength, appearance and overall wear and tear. Some common reasons patients need to have a dental crown placed include:

• Restore a tooth that has a large amount of decay
• Cover a tooth that has had a root canal procedure
• Support a dental bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Support a tooth that has more filling material than natural enamel left
• Prevent a weak tooth from breaking
• Keep a cracked tooth from falling apart
• Cover a discolored tooth
• Cover a misshapen tooth
• Restore a broken tooth
• Restore a worn tooth

Materials Used in Dental Crowns

The most appropriate materials to be used in an individual procedure depend on the preferences of the patient, the cost of the materials and the preferences of the cosmetic dentist performing the procedure. Available dental crown material options include metal, resin, porcelain fused to metal, and all porcelain.

Metal crowns – Many cosmetic dentists offer the option of using metal crowns, although this material is no longer used in many practices. It is one of the least expensive materials for a dental crown and is highly visible unless placed on the back teeth. Consult your chosen cosmetic dentist to determine what types of crowns they place.

Resin Crowns – Resin crowns are often the least expensive to place. Unfortunately, they also do not last as long as crowns made of other materials. The material wears faster and is more easily fractured. Resin crowns should not be placed on teeth that are subjected to a lot of pressure, such as the back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns – Porcelain fused to metal crowns are highly durable due to the metal inner structure of the crown. Except for a thin line of metal that is visible at the gum line, the metal material of this type of crown cannot be seen. It also offers more strength and durability for crowns that are placed on the back teeth which are subjected to more pressure.

Porcelain Crowns – Porcelain crowns are the best option for patients who want their crowns to match their natural teeth. When a porcelain crown is being designed, the dentist has the ability to choose the color of the material the crown is made from. This allows proper matching to the color of the patient’s surrounding natural teeth.

Porcelain crowns are stain resistant, extremely durable, and act like the enamel of a natural tooth in that they absorb and reflect light in the same way. Porcelain crowns are also a safe alternative for patients who are allergic to metals, or who do not know if they have a metal allergy.

If you are interested in dental crowns in the San Diego, California area, please contact the Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Paul Coleman.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dental-crowns-968579.html

Dental implants are currently the most advanced method for replacing missing teeth available.  They offer considerable advantages for patients.

The greatest advantage of dental implants is that they look very natural and feel just like natural teeth. They often help the patient to regain self-esteem both in personal and professional atmospheres because they no longer feel that they are being judged by their dental imperfections.

Dental implants, unlike dental bridges and dentures do not have an effect on the surrounding teeth and do not rely on them for support. This means that dental implants result in the maximum retention of healthy teeth material and the best continued dental health.

Dental implants are affixed to the jawbone, rather than anchored to neighboring teeth or being completely removable.  This allows the patient to eat, speak and even smile with the confidence that their teeth will not shift out of place. There is no need for any types of dental paste or glue in order to maintain implant stability.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is made up of three parts. These include the implant, the abutment, and the restoration. The implant is a metal post, generally made from titanium, that is surgically implanted into the patient’s jawbone. The abutment is made of titanium, gold or porcelain and is the portion that screws into the implant. The restoration is the part of the implant that resembles a natural tooth. It can be made of many materials and is colored and shaped to resemble the patient’s natural teeth. It is placed on top of the abutment and is a secure and permanent artificial tooth.

Dental implants are designed to replace one or more missing teeth without the need to rely on the patient’s surrounding teeth. They are also designed to remove the need for partial dentures, or to provide secure support for the denture. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge. Because the implant fuses with the patient’s jawbone, it also aids in the prevention of gum recession and jawbone loss that may result from dentures or certain types of bridge work.

What Makes a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

The best candidates for dental implants are patients who are in good oral health with healthy gum tissues and jawbones. Patients who have lost teeth due to periodontal disease or injury would benefit from obtaining dental implants. They are more reliable and more structurally stable than dentures and bridges. They are also better for the patient’s oral health because they do not affect or rely on any surrounding teeth for placement or support.

Prior to any restorative procedure, the dentist will thoroughly examine the patient’s mouth, jaw, gums and teeth to ensure that the patient is physically prepared to undergo the procedure. Subjects discussed during the initial visit with the dentist will include:

• The patient’s oral health
• The patient’s physical health
• Possible procedures to be considered
• The dentist’s experience and training

It is important that the patient also prepare a list of any questions that should be asked of the dentist during the consultation.

If you live in New Jersey and are considering having dental implants placed, learn more at the Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/advantages-of-dental-implants-942732.html