A dental crown provides durable and long lasting restoration, addressing a number of oral health concerns. What are these restorations made of? There are a number of different materials we may employ, depending on a patient’s unique oral health needs. What kind of crown do you need? From metal to ceramic, we will find the perfect fit for your smile.
Why Do We Need Crowns?
Dental crowns can provide a number of cosmetic and restorative functions, including:
- Repairing broken/chipped teeth
- Restoring teeth following root canal therapy
- Reshaping teeth
- Repairing teeth with advanced decay
- Anchoring a dental bridge
- Completing a single tooth dental implant
The materials we employ will depend on what function the restoration will serve and where in the mouth the restoration will be placed. We will examine your smile and discuss your preferences before deciding which one will work best for your smile.
Metal
All metal crowns were at one point the only option available. Now, we primarily use them for teeth in the back of the mouth. These teeth aren’t as visible and must endure powerful bite forces. As a result, metal is often one of the better choices for restoring a damaged tooth.
Porcelain
For teeth facing the front of the mouth patients typically prefer porcelain. A lifelike material that mimics the appearance of tooth enamel, porcelain looks natural and can be shaded to better blend with the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
We combine metal and porcelain to create a natural looking tooth that is also stronger than just a traditional porcelain restoration.
All-Ceramic
Like porcelain, this material reflects light in a similar manner as natural enamel, so the resulting restoration looks like the real thing. We also recommend these for the front facing teeth.
Zirconia
If you prefer a restoration with the strength of metal but the pleasing esthetics of ceramic, then zirconia may be recommended.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
