not all crowns are alike!
Should you shop around for your crown? Please don't and here's why:
Not all crowns are alike and not all dentists use the best materials nor have the best skill level to place the crown properly.
The old saying, "You get what you pay for..." and "If it sounds too good to be true, it is..."
SKILL! SKILL! SKILL! - The skill level and experience of the dentist is paramount. Bad dentistry can lead to future problems.
We've corrected a great deal of poor dentistry over the years and this is one of the most common issues. And not only with crowns, but onlays, veneers, and bridges.
Qualities of a Good Crown:
- Perfect fit at the margin (where the crown meets the natural tooth).
- Perfect size and aesthetics to the adjacent teeth.
- Proper fit at the gum line.
- Excellent occlusion (biting against the opposing teeth).
- Excellent color to match the natural teeth.
Qualities of a Bad Crown:
- Poor margin. This results in decay under the crown, sensitivity and ultimate failure of the crown and or tooth.
- Not properly contoured. This can result in inflammation of the gum tissue.
- No contact between the adjacent teeth. This can cause food traps, tooth movement or drifting out of alignment with the other teeth.
- An unbalanced bite. This can cause undue pressure on the opposing teeth and damage to the nerve of the crowned tooth leading to the need for a root canal or worse, the loss of the tooth entirely.
- Poor color and not natural looking.
Questions to ask:
- Does this dentist stay on top of the latest dental technologies/techniques?
- Do they have years of experience with a solid reputation?
- Can they provide references for the quality of their work?
- Do they use only the best materials available?
- Does their office follow all the proper infection control & sterilization protocols?
- Do they stand behind their work?
Why does this matter? Isn't a crown just like any other crown? NO! Tooth restorations differ greatly in size, color, and shape! In addition, the skill level of the treating dentist is extremely important to assure the best possible outcome.
TRUST - Finding someone you trust is also key.
- Is this dentist overly aggressive with their treatment planning? Is their office always upselling you?
- Could you get by with a filling or partial crown like an onlay instead?
- Do they take the time to show you what they see by using intra-oral camera photos and high definition digital x-rays?
- Do they explain the reason why the dentistry is necessary?
- Do they back up their work and support preventive care?
A poorly designed PFM crown. The dark line is the metal margin of the crown showing through the gum
TYPES OF CROWN MATERIALS
Understanding the Difference Between Various Dental Crown Materials.
For individuals with chipped, broken, severely discolored or decayed teeth, dental crowns may be a good option for restoring smiles.
Dental crowns are essentially caps that are sized and shaped to resemble a natural tooth. They are placed over an existing tooth, which is filed down to hold the dental crown in place, or a crown can also be secured in place with a dental implant.
If you are considering having one or more dental crowns fitted as part of a dental treatment program, then understanding the difference between various materials used to manufacture dental crowns can make it easier for you to determine which type of crown material is right for you.
WE USE THE HIGHEST QUALITY/STRENGTH, CEREC ALL PORCELAIN FOR OUR CROWNS!