If your teeth and smile have begun to look unattractive, your appearance can likely be regained at your dentist’s office by crowns and caps. These methods of repairing teeth and restoring their beauty have worked for many people. You do not need to continue trying to hide your teeth.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown (also called a cap) is a replacement of all or part of the visible part of a tooth. They are often used when the root of the tooth is still good, but there is decay or damage to the top part of the tooth.

Five Types of Crowns and Caps

• Ceramic crowns – most often used on the front teeth, because they have the special ability to match the color and look of a real tooth.
• Porcelain on a metal base – the metal base makes it stronger than ordinary porcelain, which also makes it highly durable.
• Gold alloy – when used in a crown, the gold must be mixed with other metals for strength, such as copper. This makes it very strong.
• Base metals – crowns made of base metals are very strong, which means less of the original tooth needs to be removed.
• Resin – these crowns are the least expensive. They are not as durable as other types, and are most often used on front teeth because they can be made to match the color of your natural teeth.

Advantages of Crowns

A very powerful advantage of getting a crown is its durability. Depending on which type of crown you get, it is quite likely to be able to last your lifetime, with the proper care. This simply means you keep on brushing and flossing daily.

When Crowns Are Used

A crown or cap has many uses. This means that they can hide or repair many dental problems to give you the great looking teeth you want. Some things that a crown is commonly used for includes:

• Restoring a broken tooth.
• Cover a tooth with a large filling.
• Provide a new shape or appearance.
• Give new strength to a weak tooth.
• Keep a dental bridge in place.
• Cover a dental implant.

Because of the many uses of crowns, it really is amazing what dentists can do. Many teeth can be given a completely new look, enabling you to get that smile you may not have thought possible.

Temporary Crowns

When a crown is ordered by a dentist, a temporary crown is often made to cover the tooth while the permanent one is being made. The real crown will usually be made in a lab and it may take a couple of weeks to get it.

The dentists at Amazing Smile Dental NY, in the Forest Hills area of Queens, NY, are glad to offer crowns and caps for many dental problems. We want to help you get a great smile. We offer a complete range of dental services for the entire family. Call us today at (718) 674-6478 to learn more and to make an appointment.