An interesting fact about the earliest known dental crowns is their purpose. We imagine the ancients devising tooth restorations to repair damage and restore function, but archaeologists have uncovered another purpose. Four-thousand years ago in the Philippines, the precursors of modern crowns were actually ornamental.
Researchers report that early teeth modifications, such as adding gold but also blackening and teeth filing, were "a beautification method and showed one's status." The first instance of gold crowns being used to repair tooth damage was discovered on the Italian peninsula. Dating back to the Etruscan civilization in 600 BCE, these artists may even have made rudimentary bridges as well.
This history underlies the fundamental nature of dental crowns as a part of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. At Rehoboth Beach Dental, we use them in many contexts because of their strength and versatility.
But we also realize that a dental crown may not be the perfect fit for your oral health care needs. So our goal is to work with you by educating you on dental crown types, their purpose, and what alternatives are available in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
How Dental Crowns Are Made
While nearly everything about ancient dental crowns has changed, modern dentists still may have them made from gold. At our dental office, we use a precision lab to fabricate crowns for our patients. This gives you a wide variety of options for dental crown construction so it can meet your unique requirements.
Most people want a crown that is both strong and attractive, which usually translates to a restoration indistinguishable from a natural tooth. So while a gold or metallic grill may be desirable for some, it's not for everyone.
Here are some different crown materials for your consideration:
- Ceramic porcelain – These are the most common crowns because of their natural look so that they will blend into your smile. Porcelain also resists decay and staining, so these are an excellent choice for front teeth.
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) – If you want the beauty of a porcelain crown with the added strength of metal, then a PFM crown is a great choice. We use these, especially when restoring molars and other back teeth, which endure the most pressure from chewing.
- Porcelain over zirconia – Similar to a PFM crown, a zirconia crown enrobed in ceramic is an attractive option with added stability and may be more economical.
- Base-Metal Alloy – With unmatched durability, we may offer this crown for molars and back teeth where they are less visible but endure a lot of chewing forces.
- Gold Alloy – For some people, the cost and appearance of a gold tooth are desirable qualities. In addition, this option is incredibly tough and can bear your jaw's forces and then some.
So you can see that no matter your particular need, our dentists can provide dental crowns that are right for you.
How We Use Dental Crowns in Rehoboth Beach
The main reason we use dental crowns is to address tooth damage. That tooth damage comes in several forms, including:
- A tooth weakened by multiple or large dental fillings
- A broken or fractured tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- Unevenly worn tooth
- Severe discoloration or eroded enamel
- Resulting from root canal therapy
Because a dental crown acts as a cap and completely covers a tooth on all sides, it provides 360 degrees of protection and restoration.
Dental Crown Alternatives – Dental Veneers
If your tooth damage is isolated to the forward-facing surfaces of your front teeth, then a dental veneer might be a good alternative to a full crown. A veneer is a thin chip that covers just the front of your tooth. This restoration is also lab-made, with engineered porcelain so that it doesn't contrast with your smile.
While we use dental veneers for cosmetic reasons, they also can provide enamel protection and may even minimize tooth sensitivity.
Dental Crown Alternatives – Dentures
Our dentists may recommend a partial denture instead for patients whose natural teeth may be too damaged to provide an adequate crown foundation. This restoration can replace several damaged or missing teeth with a single appliance.
A denture consists of artificial teeth that we design for you and connect to an underlying framework. You can take this denture in and out as needed, and in the case of a partial denture, it relies on healthy natural teeth for stability.
We find this option especially effective for people with a mix of damaged and lost teeth, so we can address a complex combination of dental issues while preserving as many of your natural teeth as possible.
We Provide Restorative Dentistry in Rehoboth Beach
Tooth damage is a problem passed down over the ages and has been accompanied for thousands of years by tooth restorations like dental crowns. Modern dentistry reaches for this option because of its material variety and versatility.
The Rehoboth Beach Dental team can recommend a dental crown that works best for you. However, if you have a damaged tooth that we may save and protect with a new crown, we encourage you to contact a dentist near me without delay.