YOUR FAMILY DENTIST SERVING ANCHORAGE, ALASKA          I          2665 E. TUDOR RD, SUITE 300 ANCHORAGE, AK 99507

YOUR FAMILY DENTIST SERVING ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
2665 E. Tudor Rd, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99507

What is a dental crown?

The name “dental crown” might sound somewhat funny, but it actually describes the procedure fairly well: a dental crown looks like a “cap” that is placed over and attached to a tooth. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The most common materials used include:

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel crowns are typically used only as a temporary measure (for example, as a placeholder for a permanent dental crown to be attached in the future), but their relative inexpensiveness make them a common crown choice for baby teeth. The crowns come premade, however, meaning that they can’t be customized to match a patient’s teeth. They are also a conspicuously silver color, an esthetic disadvantage that has made them less and less popular.

OTHER METAL ALLOYS

Of course, stainless steel isn’t the only kind of metal that can be used. Alloys made from gold, palladium, and even nickel or chromium can be used. The main drawback is, again, the look, but metal crowns do have the advantage of greater strength and durability. They typically last longer than other types of dental crowns, and don’t chip and crack as easily.

PORCELAIN MATERIALS

Dental crowns made from porcelain materials are typically the most common choice nowadays because they look exactly like an ordinary tooth. Dentists can fashion porcelain dental crowns to match a patient’s tooth exactly and install it so that the crown is indistinguishable to an outside observer. The crowns themselves are relatively durable, but can still chip or break off with pressure. Additionally, the crowns can cast a slight wearing effect on nearby teeth.

RESIN

Dental crowns can also bemade from resin. These tend to be used the least often, however, because they are simultaneously the most expensive and most easily fractured dental crowns.

Questions about Dental Crowns?

If you want to know whether you could benefit from a dental crown or to learn more about the procedure, talk to one of our Mint Dental Alaska dentists. We can help you narrow down the best treatment type for your specific situation and restore your teeth to their original shine. Set up an appointment today by calling (907) 646-8672 or by visiting our website at mintdentalak.com!