It goes without saying that if your tooth has been broken after crunching on some ice or if you have a large cavity that needs to be filled in, your first call should be to your dentist in Kittanning. They’ll create a restoration for you and you alone that’ll protect your pearly whites and help prevent further damage. But what kind will you get? Learn more about the different materials used to make crowns and fillings as well as why they might be chosen.
When are Crowns and Fillings Used?
Both fillings and crowns are used to repair dental damage, but they both do so in a slightly different way. A crown is a cap that’s fitted over the tooth, holding it together and protecting it from further trauma; it can also be combined with dental implants or bridges to replace missing teeth altogether. Fillings, on the other hand is simply a material that’s used to fill in areas that have suffered from decay.
What are Crowns Made Of?
A permanent crown can be made of several different materials depending on the patient’s needs. Examples of such materials include:
- Porcelain and Ceramic: These kinds of crowns best match the color of natural teeth better than any other type; they’re also useful for patients who suffer from metal allergies.
- Resin: A crown made out of dental resin is less costly, but it’s also more likely to wear down and fracture over time.
- Gold and Other Metals: Metallic crowns often have longer lifespans and are more durable. While gold crowns aren’t employed as often nowadays, they’re still fine to use as long as they’re effective.
What are Fillings Made Of?
Like crowns, there are plenty of materials that fillings can be made out of, including:
- Composite Resins: Also known as “tooth-colored”, these restorations are very natural-looking yet are still durable enough to withstand moderate chewing pressure.
- Dental Amalgam: This is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metals. It’s generally one of the more affordable options.
- Gold Fillings: Again, like gold crowns, gold fillings have been used in dentistry for a long time and can still work.
What Kind of Restoration Should You Get?
Each patient’s unique situation needs to be fully examined and consider before the material for a filling or crown is chosen. Sometimes the location of the tooth is an important factor; gold crowns and other metallic restorations tend to be a good choice for out-of-sight molars while ceramic or resin-based restorations can be used for both front and back teeth. Longevity of the restoration, insurance and out of pocket costs also need to be taken into account.
It’s important to know all of your options before making a decision that’ll affect the health and appearance of your smile for years to come. Be sure to ask, “What kind of crowns does the dentist near me offer?” whenever you first realize you’re facing life with broken teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is an accomplished lecturer who has spoken in front of fellow dentists, students and others about many different aspects of modern dentistry. One of his primary interests is using restorative dentistry to repair and improve the appearance of damaged teeth with crowns and fillings. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Voller Dentistry, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.