Kings and Queens: Let’s Talk Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide a versatile and practical solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. They enhance the appearance of your teeth and play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. In addition, there are various types available, each made from different materials and offering unique aesthetic benefits. Choosing the right dental crown can significantly impact your smile. In this guide, we explore the various types of dental crowns, how manufacturers create them, their aesthetic options, and their importance in maintaining oral health.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dentists use crowns when a tooth is weakened by decay, fractured, or has undergone a root canal treatment. They also use crowns to cover dental implants or improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Several types of dental crowns are available, each made from different materials and offering distinct benefits:

1. Porcelain Crowns

   • How They’re Manufactured: Technicians make porcelain crowns from a type of ceramic that mimics the natural look of teeth. The process starts with a precise digital scan or a mold of the patient’s tooth. They then shape the porcelain and fire it in a kiln to harden.
   • Aesthetic Choices: Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural appearance. They can match the exact color of your surrounding teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. Many people prefer them for the most aesthetically pleasing result.
   • Importance in Oral Health: Porcelain crowns are biocompatible and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. They offer a durable and natural-looking solution that helps maintain the integrity of your tooth.

2. Metal Crowns (Gold, Palladium, Nickel, or Chromium)

   • How They Are Manufactured: Metal crowns are created by casting or milling a block of the chosen metal alloy. Skilled dental technicians often mold the metal by hand to fit the prepared tooth perfectly.
   • Aesthetic Choices: Metal crowns are incredibly strong and durable, but due to their metallic color, they are less popular for visible teeth. Dentists often use them for molars or teeth that are not visible when smiling.
   • Importance in Oral Health: Metal crowns require minimal removal of the natural tooth structure, which helps maintain the strength and health of the remaining tooth. They resist wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

   • How They Are Manufactured: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal base provides strength, while the porcelain overlay offers a tooth-like appearance.
   • Aesthetic Choices: PFM crowns are versatile and can be used on front and back teeth. They balance aesthetics and durability but may show a thin metal line at the gum line over time, especially if the gums recede.
   • Importance in Oral Health: PFM crowns provide strong protection and a natural appearance, but the metal base can sometimes irritate the gums, especially in people with metal allergies. They are ideal for those who want a balance of strength and aesthetics.

4. Ceramic or Zirconia Crowns

   • How They Are Manufactured: Ceramic crowns are made from materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate, known for their strength and translucency. CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology often designs these crowns, ensuring a precise fit.
   • Aesthetic Choices: Ceramic and zirconia crowns offer the most natural-looking results. They can be colored to match the surrounding teeth and resist staining, making them ideal for front teeth.
   • Importance in Oral Health: These crowns are metal-free, which suits people with metal allergies. Zirconia crowns are particularly durable, making them excellent for front and back teeth.

5. Resin Crowns

   • How They Are Manufactured: Dentists make resin crowns from a composite material that they mold directly onto the tooth. They typically create these crowns using a dental mold and sculpt them by hand in the dental office.
   • Aesthetic Choices: Resin crowns can match the color of your natural teeth. However, they are less durable and more prone to wear and discoloration over time.
   • Importance in Oral Health: Resin crowns are less expensive and can serve as an excellent temporary solution. However, they are less durable than other options and may require replacement more frequently.

The Importance of Dental Crowns in Oral Health

Dental crowns offer more than just cosmetic benefits; they are essential for maintaining good oral health. Here’s why:

• Protection and Strength: Crowns protect weakened or damaged teeth from further decay or fracture, preserving the natural tooth structure and preventing tooth loss.
• Restoration of Function: They restore the tooth’s function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Crowns prevent additional wear and tear on the affected tooth and surrounding teeth, helping to maintain overall dental health.
• Improved Appearance: Crowns enhance the appearance of your teeth, providing a uniform, healthy-looking smile.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct type of dental crown depends on several factors, including the location of the tooth, your aesthetic preferences, your budget, and your dentist’s recommendation. By understanding the different types of crowns and their unique benefits, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Remember, a well-chosen crown improves the look of your smile and plays a vital role in protecting your oral health for years to come.

At Island Dental Associates, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and ensuring your comfort and peace of mind throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (516)565-6565 or schedule an appointment to learn more about the benefits of Endodontic Treatment. Your smile is worth saving!

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you’re considering dental crowns or want to know if they’re the right option for you, Island Dental Associates is here to help. Our team of skilled dentists and lab technicians is dedicated to providing personalized care and finding the best solution for your dental needs. Plus, with our on-site lab, we create all types of crowns right here in our office, ensuring a perfect fit and faster turnaround times.

Don’t wait to achieve the smile you deserve! Call us today at (516)565-6565 or schedule an appointment to visit our on-site lab and learn more about how dental crowns can improve oral health and confidence. Your journey to a healthier, brighter smile starts here at Island Dental Associates!

*Always consult with your Dentist: You should always seek the advice of your dentist to make sure which options are best for you. Dental conditions vary widely among individuals. Not all dental problems are visible or easily detectable. Professional cleanings are essential no matter how diligent your oral hygiene routine is. Regular dental check-ups allow for the early detection of potential issues. Dentists are trained to provide expert advice on oral hygiene and other factors that impact your dental health. Online information may need more depth and accuracy to address your specific needs.

Revealing the Wonders: 8 Remarkable Benefits of Dental Braces

Introduction:

Welcome back to Island Dental’s blog, where we uncover the secrets to achieving your perfect smile! Today, let’s delve into the transformative realm of dental braces. Beyond their primary function of aligning teeth, braces offer numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. From safeguarding against bone erosion to enriching speech and digestion, the advantages of braces are genuinely remarkable. Let’s explore why braces might be ideal for enhancing your oral health and overall well-being.

Prevention of Bone Erosion:

Did you know that misaligned teeth contribute to bone erosion over time? When teeth aren’t correctly aligned, undue pressure may be exerted on specific areas of the jawbone, leading to gradual erosion. Dental braces play a vital role in evenly distributing this pressure across the teeth, thereby preventing bone erosion and preserving the structural integrity of your jawbone.

Enhanced Speech Clarity:

Speech impediments often stem from dental issues such as misaligned teeth or irregularities in the jaw. By addressing these concerns through braces, you can experience significant enhancements in speech clarity and pronunciation. Bid farewell to mumbling and welcome articulate speech with open arms, courtesy of braces!

Improved Digestion:

Surprisingly, your teeth play a pivotal role in the digestive process. Properly aligned teeth facilitate efficient chewing, the initial step in breaking down food for digestion. You can attain optimal teeth alignment with braces, ensuring thorough chewing of each bite and facilitating proper digestion. Properly aligned teeth, in turn, lead to enhanced absorption of nutrients and overall digestive well-being.

Confidence Boost:

A confident smile can wield immense power over your self-esteem and confidence levels. Dental braces not only rectify orthodontic issues but enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile, empowering you to showcase your pearly whites with unabashed confidence. Whether you’re navigating social gatherings or professional settings, a confident smile leaves lasting impressions on those around you.

Maintenance of Oral Health:

Misaligned teeth create tight spaces and crevices where food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate, paving the way for plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Realigning your teeth with braces can eliminate these problematic areas and uphold superior oral hygiene standards, resulting in a healthier mouth and fresher breath.

Prevention of Gum Disease:

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, poses a significant threat to oral health, potentially culminating in gum recession, tooth loss, and systemic health complications if left unchecked. Fortunately, dental braces serve as a preventive measure against gum disease by ensuring proper tooth alignment and reducing the risk of gum inflammation and infection triggered by plaque accumulation and bacterial growth.

Dental Decay Prevention:

Crooked or overcrowded teeth are particularly susceptible to dental decay due to the challenge of effectively cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Braces rectify tooth misalignment, simplifying the process of brushing and flossing and subsequently lowering the risk of cavities and decay. Safeguard your teeth against the detrimental effects of decay by embracing braces for a healthier, cavity-free smile.

Enhanced Chewing Function:

Efficient chewing is imperative for optimal digestion and overall nutritional uptake. Misaligned teeth can impede the chewing process, leading to difficulties in breaking down solid food into smaller, digestible fragments. With the aid of braces, you can attain proper teeth alignment, facilitating smoother and more effective chewing, thereby promoting superior digestion and nutrient absorption.

Conclusion:

Dental braces offer a wealth of benefits that transcend mere teeth straightening. From thwarting bone erosion and gum disease to refining speech, digestion, and confidence levels, the advantages of braces are undeniable. If you’re contemplating orthodontic intervention, consult your dentist or orthodontist to explore the optimal options for achieving a healthier, more radiant smile. Remember, prioritizing your dental health today can yield a lifetime of benefits tomorrow. Say cheese and embrace the transformative potential of dental braces!

Island Dental Associates Unlocking the Power of Confident Smiles

Let Island Dental Associates and our dedicated orthodontic team be your partners on the journey to a radiant smile and lifelong oral wellness!

Reach out to us today at (516) 271-0764 to schedule your complimentary consultation, or click here to book a free orthodontic appointment. Let’s embark on this transformative path together!

Are you located in the Long Island area? Are you self conscious about your smile? Give Island Dental Associates a call and talk to us about what is going on. Our cosmetic dentists can discuss your options with you and put you on the path to a healthier and happier you.

Cosmetic dentists work to improve the way your teeth look. There are several different procedures that patients could undergo, including teeth whitening, enamel reshaping, bridges, veneers, bonding, dental implants, and inlays and overlays.

If you want to get your smile back, all of the procedures mentioned above work very well. In addition, they can have a positive impact on both your social life and the way you feel physically.

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Your smile is the first thing people will see when they interact with you. That’s why revealing a set of crooked, discolored, and/or missing teeth might not make the best first impression on the people you meet. Thanks to the cosmetic dentists at Island Dental Associate in Franklin Square, Long Island, it is now possible to correct discolored and crooked teeth and replace broken or missing ones.

Cosmetic dentistry is not a new development. It actually dates back to a time when people used ivory and bone to make dentures, caps and crowns. Modern cosmetic dentistry now makes use of cutting-edge technology in place of the conventional methods to achieve a more precise, professional job that’s completed in less time and at a price that is affordable.

The Difference Between Standard Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

What is the difference is between a regular and cosmetic dentistry? There is a significant difference between the two types of dentistry. Regular dentistry is concerned about oral health and hygiene. It includes fixing cavities, removing plaque and tartar buildup, resolving problems of bad breath and treating gum diseases. In contrast, cosmetic dentistry works seeks to improve the appearance of the teeth which includes improving aspects such as shape and color. Cosmetic dentistry also deals with the appearance and stability of the gums because they are they anchor of what can be a beautiful set of teeth.

Some of the Cosmetic Dentistry Services Offered at Island Dental Associates in Franklin Square, NY

The cosmetic dentistry services offered in our Franklin Square dental office range from simple teeth whitening to complex gum restructuring procedures, which include the following:

Teeth whitening – Yellow teeth are an embarrassing condition. However, it needn’t bother you anymore. There are several over-the-counter whitening options, but the dentist-supervised treatments tend to be more effective and long-lasting. Laser whitening can make your teeth almost 16 shades whiter.

Invisalign – Invisalign straightens a smile ruined by crooked and badly-shaped teeth. Like traditional braces, Invisalign straightens crooked teeth for a more beautiful smile. However, unlike the ugly metal braces, they are available in opaque and colored options that camouflage well with the teeth. Also, made of pliable materials they are more comfortable to wear.

Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic reshaping. They are like caps and crowns. They protect damaged teeth. They are also fitted to bind teeth and bridge gaps between them making them appear more even. Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain laminate that are fitted directly to your tooth. Except for some slight filing and shaving, it does not cause any damage to the original tooth. Veneers are custom-made.

Gum Restructuring – A gummy smile is another serious cosmetic problem. A gummy smile is a condition wherein the gum is quite broad to the extent it shows in all your smiles or even makes your teeth appear crooked and misaligned. A cosmetic dentist can correct it by restructuring the gum line for you.

Teeth Bonding – Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored composite material is applied to weaker teeth for added structure and protection. After application, it is shaped and polished.

Dental Bridges – Bridge fill in gaps left by missing teeth and are a good alternative for dentures. It consists of two or more crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap with the false tooth in between.

Many patients ask about inlays and onlays and how they can benefit them.

Inlays are fabricated when a tooth is cracked or decayed or broken and a patient wants to restore the tooth but not put a crown on it. The tooth is prepared, it’s cleaned up and basically we take an impression of the tooth and fabricate a puzzle piece that fits into the tooth, gets bonded in place. The colors are matched perfectly so that you can’t even tell that the work was done to the tooth.

An onlay is a restoration in which we take the same type of impression, but it goes over the tooth to restore the tooth back to its normal shape, size and restores function, and you can eat on it, both inlay and onlay. It matches perfectly and there are different types of materials that can be fabricated for it so that you won’t even know that anything was done.

Insurance most of the time will cover the procedure. We offer interest free financing and many treatment options as well. So give Island Dental Associates a call today for a free consultation at 516-565-6565.

Silver fillings with mercury were traditionally used by dentists due to their increased strength and durability. However, with advances in technology tooth colored resin or composite fillings can provide similar strength and have the added advantage of improved esthetics.

If you currently have mercury fillings and you want a more esthetic smile we may recommend repalcement of your silver fillings with white esthetic fillings.

The procedure is simple. A dental drill is used to remove the old silver filling. Then, a tooth colored filling material, also known as a white filling, is placed into the tooth. Next, white filling materials are bonded to the tooth and provide strength and stability. Then the filling is cured using an ultra violet light. The cured material provides strength for chewing and function. Once the material is cured it is adjusted and polished using dental burrs and polishing pastes. The filling blends into the tooth providing an esthetic result.

If you have mercury fillings and you’re looking to restore your teeth to their natural shape and appearance give us a call at our Franklin Square office at (516) 565-6565 for a free consultation.