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Q: What is a crown?
A: A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a natural-looking cover your dentist
places over a tooth weakened or disfigured by wear, decay, trauma and the like.
A crown restores the natural shape of the tooth. Crowns can also give uniformity
and luster to a smile. The crown, however, serves not only a cosmetic purpose,
but also strengthens the tooth. Crowns generally are made from porcelain, porcelain
fused to metal, resin or ceramic. Resin crowns are the least expensive, but
are more susceptible to wear. Ceramic and porcelain offer the best color match.
Permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory to specifications set by your
dentist. Your dentist can fit you with a temporary crown while permanent crowns
are being made. Temporary crowns generally are made of acrylic or stainless steel.
Depending on the extent of work needed in your mouth, your dentist might refer
you to a dentist who specializes in tooth restoration work. This type of dentist
is called a prosthodontist. There are many procedures and materials that are
available to strengthen your teeth and beautify your smile. Talk with your dentist
about them. |
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