Dental Crowns
...the art of individualized care
Dallas, Texas
A dental crown is a device which covers a tooth. Its function is to either strengthen a decayed tooth, repair a broken tooth or improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
A crown is similar to both a veneer and a filling. The differences between the three are technical - only a qualified cosmetic dentist can determine which is the best choice for you specific needs. If you have broken, decayed or otherwise damaged teeth, please contact Dr. Taylor for a consultation. He is a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and is expertly trained in all forms of cosmetic dentistry. He'll be able to determine if crowns are right for you.
There are three types of crowns - porcelain, gold and porcelain fused-to-metal crowns. Porcelain crowns look like real teeth, but they are not as durable as gold crowns. Gold crowns are very strong but, because they're gold, they are used only in areas of the mouth where they won't be visible (typically the back of the mouth). Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a metal substructure. They're used when porcelain crowns will not work. Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a slightly noticeable metal sub-structure - a dark line which appears, over time, near the gumline.
Only a qualified cosmetic dentist can determine which type of crown is appropriate for your individual needs. However, each crown is placed in the same type of way. A mold is first taken of the decayed tooth, then that mold is sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is made. The crown is then fitted atop the damaged tooth with dental cement.
The cement used affects the color of the tooth. Matching the color of the crown to the color of the surrounding teeth is as much of an art as it is a science, which is why it's so important to find a dentist who is expertly trained in cosmetic dentistry.
If you have broken, decayed or otherwise damaged teeth, please contact Dr. Taylor today to schedule a consultation. A brighter, better smile is on the way!
