It is Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth

If you're looking to improve your smile, you've likely heard about dental implants and other cosmetic dental options. While crowns have been around for decades, they are still the best restorative option in many cases. Crowns are also are usually much less expensive than implants while still offering a life-like, functional result. However, cost is just one of many good reasons to stick with dental crowns. Here are some other benefits of choosing dental crowns.

1. Versatility. Crowns can be designed to replace a missing tooth, improve the look of a chipped tooth or make a cracked tooth whole again. 

2. Natural looking. Dental crowns are made of resin or metal topped with porcelain, both of which give a natural, life-like look. These artificial teeth are colored to match your existing teeth and skilled cosmetic dentists will even add ridges and other indentations to match the terrain of your other teeth.

3. Durability. A properly-fitted dental crown can last up to 15 years before it will need to be replaced.

4. Stain resistant. Porcelain and resin crowns are also resistant to stains from foods like coffee, tea, red wine and berries. This means you can eat all of your favorite foods without fearing damage to your crown(s).

5. Comfort. Crowns are fitted over a portion of your existing tooth, so they are comfortable and not subject to slipping like dentures can be.

6. Guard against infection and tooth decay.  Because they fit tightly amid your other, natural teeth without gaps, crowns help prevent food particles from getting between your teeth and your gums, something that can often happen with dentures. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

7. Quick to fit. A dental crown can be fitted in just two appointments, in most cases. That means you can have you new teeth in a matter or weeks or days rather than the months that it takes to complete the process of fitting dental implants.

8. Very little pain. While getting dental implants requires oral surgery and weeks of healing, dental crowns can be fitted in your dentist's office using a local anesthetic, so there is very little pain involved. There is also no pain once your crowns are fitted, compared to the chaffing and friction that can occur with dentures.

While crowns may not be the right option for everyone looking to improve their smile, this cosmetic dentistry option is cost-effective, life-like and durable.

For more information and details, talk with a dentist, like Patrick M Pitts.