liana smiles DENTISTRY IN STATEN ISLAND, NY

Dr. Stein may recommend a crown in a variety of situations. A crown can cover a strangely-shaped or dark tooth, or a dental implant.

Crowns are more than cosmetic solutions. They can cover and protect a weak or cracked natural tooth. Teeth weakened by decay, or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.

Many patients are great candidates for dental crowns for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. Whether you need a crown to fix the appearance of a tooth or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental crown can protect teeth for years to come.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Stainless steel.
• Gold or another alloy.
• Porcelain fused to metal.
• Resin.
• Ceramic.

The material used depends on a range of factors. For example, stainless steel is typically the go-to material for temporary crowns. It's common for dentists to use prefabricated stainless steel crowns to cap children's baby teeth.

Metal crowns are durable and able to endure the impact of chewing and biting, but because of their noticeable color, they're commonly used on teeth in the rear of the mouth.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns are more aesthetically pleasing than stainless steel crowns, but they aren't perfect. For instance, the metal portion of the crown might be visible as a dark line close to the gums, and the opposing teeth might endure more wear than with other types of crowns.

All-resin crowns are more affordable, which makes them an appealing choice for many patients, but they're also more prone to fractures. All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for men and women with metal allergies.

Most of the time, a minimum of two visits are necessary for a dental crown procedure. At the first appointment, you'll have X-rays taken so that your dental professional at LianaSmiles can assess the health of the tooth that requires the crown.

Next, Dr. Stein will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The tooth is built up or filed down so that the crown will fit snugly. After that, she will take an impression of your teeth. The impression will be sent to the lab and used to custom-make the crown. Dr. Stein will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.