Aug 01, 2023
Dental crowns are beneficial in saving a tooth from significant tooth damage and decay. However, while dental crowns are often associated with repairing tooth damage, there are several situations when a crown could benefit a healthy tooth. In this article, let’s explore some of the major reasons you might need a dental crown on a healthy tooth and its benefits.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom-made dental cap or restoration that covers a tooth, completely encasing it. The crown can also be made from various materials like metal, porcelain, and composite. For the most natural appearance, crowns are personalized to match the aesthetics of natural teeth. They effectively enhance the tooth’s appearance, strength, and protection. Visit our dental office for a tooth crown in Stony Brook, NY.
Reasons Why You Need a Crown on a Healthy Tooth
Below are common situations where a crown could be beneficial to a healthy tooth:
- Teeth stains or discoloration. Dental crowns encase the entire visible part of the tooth, effectively improving the aesthetics of a stained, yellowed, or discolored tooth. This offers a brighter, more natural, and flawless smile.
- Tooth misalignments. If your tooth is slightly misaligned or crooked, you might not need lengthy and costly orthodontics to enhance your smile. Placing a crown can improve the tooth’s appearance for a more natural and harmonious bite.
- Tooth protection. Even when healthy, teeth are always vulnerable to erosion, trauma, and infections, especially if you have bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). Placing a crown on the tooth can add an extra layer of protection, lowering your risk of future damage.
- Support a bridge. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a tooth bridge can be a suitable solution to restore oral function and enhance your appearance. Commonly, dental crowns are placed on one or more healthy teeth to anchor the bridge. This ensures enhanced stability and integrity of your bridge.
Before installing a dental crown, our dentist will examine your tooth to determine whether a crown is necessary or eligible. In this case, they may consider factors like:
- Tooth shaving. Since a crown fits over the natural tooth, enamel shaving or trimming is often necessary to ensure a proper fit and alignment. This can weaken your tooth’s structure, and it’s irreversible. The dentist will determine whether the risks of damaging the tooth’s structure outweigh the benefits.
- Durability. Although dental crowns are long-lasting, they don’t last forever. They may need replacement every 10 to 20 years. Thus, it’s essential to understand that getting a crown is a long-term commitment and might require replacement in the future.
- Alternatives. If your tooth is generally healthy, more preservative treatments like dental bonding, enamel contouring, and veneers can be suitable alternatives to dental crowns.
Benefits of Dental Crowns on a Healthy Tooth
While it might seem counterintuitive, placing a dental crown on a healthy tooth comes with several benefits, including:
- Enhanced aesthetics. A crown encases the visible portion of a tooth, effectively improving its overall appearance in terms of size, color, and shape. This results in a more harmonious, natural, and attractive smile.
- Improved strength and protection. Your teeth are continually susceptible to chips, fractures, and decay, which can significantly impact your oral health and function. Crowns provide additional strength and protection from external factors.
- Protects future oral health. Overtime, your teeth may be susceptible to chips, decay, and erosion. Placing a crown protects the tooth against external damage, enhancing its longevity.
- Saves money. Since a crown protects your teeth against potential damages like chips, decay, and fractures, it helps you maintain a healthy smile, preventing the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments in the future. This can save you money in the long run.
- Improved function. In cases of tooth loss or misalignments, placing a crown can enhance your bite function, allowing you to chew and speak more efficiently.
Get Dental Crowns in Stony Brook, NY
Are you interested in dental crowns or other dental treatments? Contact Stony Brook Dental Group to book your consultation today.
