No two patients’ teeth are exactly alike, so it only makes sense that a one-size-fits-all approach to dental crowns isn’t in your best interest. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a general dentist who offers dental crowns in Astoria, NY, explains that several materials are available for patients whose teeth require the added support of a crown. Some materials are best suited to teeth located in a certain area of your mouth, and others are better able to withstand the strong, repetitive motion that occurs when you speak or chew.
Who Benefits From Dental Crowns?
Years ago, a patient who had a badly decayed or broken tooth had limited options: simply wait for the tooth to die and fall out on its own, or have a tooth extraction. Those who opted for the latter could then have the missing tooth replaced with an implant, bridge, or partial denture. Today, Dr. Leibowitz can save as much of your tooth as possible. After gently removing all traces of decay or infection, your dentist will clean the tooth and place a temporary crown. Using impressions taken from your mouth, a skilled technician working in a dental lab will create a suitable replacement, which will then be affixed to your tooth permanently during a second visit to our office.
Metal, the Classic Crown Material
Until recently, metal was the go-to choice for dental fillings and crowns. Durable and long-lasting metal continues to be popular in dentistry. Dr. Leibowitz may recommend this material for patients whose back teeth have been badly damaged by tooth decay, or for those who have recently undergone root canal therapy.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal, or PFM, can be used to create dental crowns, dental bridges, and even dentures. Think of it as the best of both worlds–the natural translucence of dental ceramic combined with the strength of metal.
Zirconia Crowns
Most people think of zirconia as an affordable substitute for diamonds, but this aesthetically pleasing material also has its place in restorative dentistry. Like porcelain, zirconia possesses translucent properties that mimic the appearance of natural, healthy tooth enamel.
All-Ceramic Dental Crowns
Ceramic has multiple uses in modern dentistry, ranging from purely cosmetic (porcelain veneers) to restorative (crowns). Because ceramic has stain-resistant properties and can be shaded to match virtually any tooth color, it has grown popular among patients who desire a natural appearance that doesn’t betray previous dental work. All-ceramic crowns work beautifully on teeth that are outwardly visible to others, such as the front teeth and those near the sides of your mouth.
Questions about dental crowns? To learn more about restorative dentistry options, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at 718-728-8320. Dr. Leibowitz, a graduate of the SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, welcomes patients from Astoria, Queens, Long Island, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
