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Types of Dental Crowns, Which To Choose | Watertown MN

When it comes to choosing dental crowns to repair a damaged tooth, there are several dental materials that you can choose from. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal is arguably the most common material because of its unique combination of mechanical strength and aesthetic results. In addition, it’s said to be of an acceptable biologic quality that is needed for periodontal health. 

That said, porcelain-metal blends may not be as readily available because their fabrication requires a high level of workmanship and the use of precious metals which have become increasingly costly. Some patients also dislike the metal framework, which may be visible when you smile depending on the tooth being restored. 

As such, your dentist may recommend alternative tooth-colored materials for your custom permanent crown, such as:

  • All Porcelain Crowns – Dental crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns. 
  • All-Resin Crowns – Dental composite resin crowns are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear. 
  • Zirconium – Crowns made from this material are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible and won’t cause allergic reactions, plus they can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations. 

Which Crown Should You Choose?

Each dental crown material has various pros and cons that should be carefully evaluated before choosing your permanent crown restoration. You can also choose metal crowns made from gold, platinum, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium for a stronger and more durable restoration.  Your dentist will help you make the right choice based on your specific dental needs. 


To learn more about Dental Crowns in Watertown MN please contact us today.

What to Know About Dental Crowns in Watertown MN

When you have chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, the damage can be repaired using a dental crown or tooth cap. In some minor cases of tooth damage, fillings can be used as the preferred restorative treatment. Although fillings are cheaper, there are not as strong as crowns unless the damage is minimal and located in your front teeth. Otherwise crowns are the preferred option. 

Crowns can be successfully used to treat various dental problems, including:

  • Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used 
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • Broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 
  • To close small gaps between teeth 
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth 

How the Dental Crown Procedure is Done 

Most people are good candidates for tooth crowns, which makes them one of the most popular dental restoration procedures for people of all ages. Tooth caps can also be recommended as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of damaged teeth.

Numbing the damaged tooth and gum tissue is the first step of the procedure. After the cavity is cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will remove any decay and prepare the site for the filling material. Digital impressions will be taken, which will be used to create your custom crown to ensure that it is the same color as your teeth. Your teeth and smile will look better if you desire a different color. 

Contact Your Dentist Today 

Please contact your dentist today to learn more about dental crowns and other dental restorative options that can work for you.

Common Questions About Dental Crowns in Watertown MN

Crowns are one of the most popular restorative and cosmetic treatments in dentistry. They provide a strong and durable cap that holds together a tooth that has been severely damaged and weakened by trauma or decay, helping to save a tooth that may otherwise have been extracted. 

Other benefits of tooth crowns include:

1. Prevent Tooth Loss from Decay  

The crown protects the remaining natural tooth so you are not forced to extract it. Crowns can be used to save decayed teeth, where the cavity has formed on more than 50 percent of the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used. To save the tooth, the dentist needs to remove the decay, clean the site, and cement the custom crown in place, restoring the complete function of your mouth. 

2. Save Damaged Teeth 

Crowns are typically recommended for severe tooth damage, where other options are not sufficient to provide a strong restoration. Some of the common applications of crowns include:

  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • To repair broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 

3. Cosmetic Repairs 

If dental crowns are the only way to save your tooth, your dentist may recommend tooth-colored materials so the restored tooth is barely noticeable compared to adjacent teeth. In fact, tooth-colored materials reflect light just like natural teeth, which makes it hard to distinguish the restoration from tooth enamel. This allows you to both restore and improve your smile. 

If you have any questions or concerns about dental crowns, please visit your dentist today.

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