Dental Crowns in Irvine, CA

A dental crown is a cap that is secured to a compromised tooth to protect or fix it. They can be made from a variety of materials and the type depends on the location in the mouth, cost, and durability. Crowns on the back molars may be a silver or gold color as you can hardly see them from a regular distance, whereas crowns on the front teeth can be specially designed to look like a natural tooth.

There are a number of reasons why one may need a dental crown. These include:

• Protecting a tooth from further decay
• Holding together a cracked tooth
• Restoring a worn-down tooth
• Concealing a tooth with a large filling
• Keeping a dental bridge in place
• Fixing discolored teeth
• Covering a dental implant
• Protecting a tooth that’s had a root canal

A traditional crown covers the entire tooth. It is typically used when the tooth is so compromised that an onlay will not cover the amount of decay present. Traditional crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on type and maintenance.

An onlay or ¾ crown only covers part of the tooth, rather than the whole thing. This is optimal for less severe cases where the tooth structure is still solid. Onlays can last up to 10 years if properly maintained.

Metal crowns are often preferable as they are the most durable and long-lasting of all the materials. However, they are not easily hidden as the metal color of the gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium used will stick out from the rest of the teeth. These are best used for teeth in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain crowns are less visible, as they can be color matched to blend in with your teeth. They’re also preferable for people with nickel allergies or sensitivities. They are the best choice for front teeth due to their camouflaging effect, but they are less durable and can wear down the surrounding teeth.

This option gives you the durability of metal crowns, with the transparency of porcelain. They are still not quite a durable or long-lasting as full metal but appear much more seamless in the mouth.

These crowns are capped with porcelain for a camouflaging effect, but the hard inner core of pressed ceramic crowns help them be more durable than all-porcelain ones.

Resin crowns are the most budget-friendly form of dental crown. They do wear down over time and will most likely have to be repaired or replaced sooner than the other material options.

Dental crowns are vital in saving your tooth’s integrity and preventing further dental damage. If you’re in need of a crown in the Irvine, CA area, consult a dentist to get their expert opinion on the best material, type, and treatment plan for you.