Dental crowns offer the ideal solution for dental problems ranging from cosmetic to structural issues. Our Raleigh, NC, dentist, Dr. Ashley Lloyd, discusses dental crowns and explains when they're recommended.

Crowns cover teeth

Sometimes the easiest way to address a cosmetic issue is to hide it from view. Crowns, hollow, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain slide over the top of teeth, concealing flaws that detract from your smile. They're also used to strengthen and stabilize teeth. Crowns are made of porcelain, a tough ceramic material that reflects light. Thanks to their light-reflecting ability, they look perfectly natural when added to teeth. Before you can receive a crown, your tooth must be prepared on all sides to ensure that the crown fits properly. An impression, taken in our Raleigh office is sent to a dental laboratory, where it's used to craft a crown that not only fits well but is the same shade as the rest of your teeth.

When are dental crowns used?

Crowns are often used to change the appearance of teeth that look a little odd. Whether your tooth twists and turns or just doesn't match your other teeth, a crown offers an easy way to improve your smile. Adding a veneer to a tooth is one way to change the appearance, but veneers aren't the best choice if the issue affects more than just the front of your tooth. For example, if a tooth is discolored, the discoloration would still be visible on the sides and top of your tooth if you chose a veneer instead of a crown.

Crowns prevent cracked and fragile teeth from breaking. Have you recently had a root canal? Although your tooth may look perfectly fine, removing the pulp weakens it, making it susceptible to breaking. A crown will bear the brunt of forces generated by chewing and keep your tooth in one piece.

If your tooth has broken or one or two teeth aren't quite as tall as neighboring teeth, a crown can be used to restore the full height of your tooth.

Does it sound like a crown may be a good solution for your dental issue? Call Raleigh, NC, dentist, Dr. Lloyd, at (919) 828-1001 to schedule an appointment.