When people have their teeth “capped,” they are referring to having dental crowns placed on their teeth. Crowns are used to improve the appearance of teeth and to restore the shape of a tooth. They can also be used to help strengthen teeth after dental procedures have been done. There are four different types of materials used to make crowns:
* Ceramic
* Porcelain fused with metal
* Metal alloys
* Gold alloys
The type of dental crown you select will depend on where it is to be placed in your mouth and the cost of the crown.
Ceramic Crowns
Most ceramic dental crowns in Boston are placed in the front of the mouth because their color blends in well with natural teeth. They are made from a porcelain filling material and, although strong, they can break if you bite down too hard on them.
Porcelain Fused with Metal Crowns
The porcelain material is fused to the outside of the metal crown in order to make the crown stronger. Once attached to the structure of the natural tooth, they prevent leaks and are mainly used to help prevent further tooth decay. The make-up of these crowns helps them to be very strong and long-lasting.
Metal Alloys
There are several types of metals that can be used to create dental crowns, including palladium, cobalt, gold, silver, tungsten and more. Metal alloy crowns are used because they are very strong. They resist corrosion, and they help prevent wear to the teeth next to them.
Gold Alloys
Gold alloy crowns also contain copper and other metals to add strength to the crown. They are biocompatible to other tissues in the mouth, and they resist fractures or corrosion. They can be placed anywhere they are needed in the mouth.
Your dentist can help you select the best dental crowns for your needs.
