Dental crowns are a useful addition to cosmetic dentistry. WebMD mentions that dental crowns are used to cap off the visible part of a tooth above the gumline. Crowns are a crucial part of ensuring that your teeth remain functional, especially if they become cracked or dented somehow. A crown is supposed to protect the tooth from external stimulus, ensuring that you can still use them to chew your food. A cemented crown is just one of those types of crowns you might get because your dental implants dentist has suggested it. This article will explore cemented crowns and see what these wonders of modern cosmetic dentistry are.
What is the Purpose of Cemented Crowns?
Cemented crowns are primarily used to ensure that your teeth have a good appearance and are as strong as before they became cracked or damaged. They are crucial in helping the alignment of teeth and helps to stabilize the upper and lower jaw. Occasionally, your dentist may request you get a crown to hold a dental bridge in place. Crowns are usually designed to look like regular teeth, although some modifications in materials do occur.
What Typical Materials Are Used in Cemented Crowns?
The Oral Health Foundation mentions that crowns can be made of several different substances. Typically, for cemented crowns, you’re likely to get a few materials such as:
- metal/gold
- porcelain fused to metal
- all-resin
- all-ceramic
- zirconia
Cemented Crowns vs. Screw-Retained Crowns
Cemented crowns are your only option for a dental implant, but you can opt for a screw-retained crown instead if you have an implant. Cemented crowns seal off the tooth, whereas screw-retained crowns have a small screw at the bottom to enable their attachment. Cemented crowns demonstrate several differences to screw-retained crowns, including:
- Aesthetics: Cemented crowns look a lot more natural than their screw-retained counterparts.
- Resilience: Cemented crowns can stand up to a lot more punishment than screw-retained crowns since there’s no weak point in them.
- Replacement: If cemented crowns get damaged, they can be a lot more challenging to replace. Screw-retained crowns can be much easier to replace.
- Cost: Screw-retained crowns are a lot more expensive than cemented crowns because of the specialized work that goes into making them.
When A Cemented Crown is preferable
Depending on where you need the crown replacement, a cemented crown may be a far better option than a screw-retained crown. These types of crowns look a lot more natural than their screw-retained counterparts and may help with other aspects of your life, such as chewing and biting. They can stand up to a lot more punishment as well, making them ideal for several different locations within your mouth. Consider talking with your dentist about whether you think your teeth may need a crown or not. Even though crowns are an impressive fashion statement, you should try to use your natural teeth as much as possible. Crowns are useful when your teeth may need repairs, but replacing natural teeth with a crown isn’t something your dentist would advise.